Born Ricky D. Mitchell in Berkeley, CA in 1956, Imam Zaid Shakir converted to Islam in 1977 while serving in the United States Air Force. He studied the religion of Islam extensively, and today is popularly regarded as “America’s Imam,” and one of the most prominent Muslim preachers alive. Imam Zaid was Muhammad Ali’s spiritual leader, guide, and dear friend, and was whispering prayers into his ear in his hospital room when he passed away. Per Ali’s prior request, he led his funeral prayer and presided over his memorial service. Among other achievements and accolades, he is also the co-founder of Zaytuna College (a private Islamic liberal arts college). He publishes regularly on contemporary issues and matters of public interest and debate, both as a private scholar and public intellectual. This episode is a rare gem, full of wisdom, insight, and timeless advice for the sincere seeker of truth.  Guest: Imam Zaid Shakir More Info: Article: “The Greatest, At Rest,” by Tom Junod Link: https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/19409912/the-planning-muhammad-ali-funeral  Websites: https://zaytuna.edu/academics/faculty/zaid-shakir  https://www.newislamicdirections.com/new_nid/about/  ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan  Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy  Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle  Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy  Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy  Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta  Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.