LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Muslim prayers over the body of Muhammad Ali will be witnessed worldwide Thursday, offering a window into a religion many outsiders know little about, but have come to scorn. About 14,000 people are expected for the service Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, which will be broadcast on TV and streamed live online. Organizers say the service, or Jenazah prayer, is open to all, but meant especially as a chance for Muslims to say goodbye to a man considered a hero of their faith. U.S. Muslims hope the service for the Kentucky native will help show that Islam, so much under attack in recent months, is fully part of American life. Ali, who died Friday at 74, joined the black separatist Nation of Islam as a young athlete, then embraced mainstream Islam years later. An interfaith memorial service is planned for Friday, which will include representatives of several religions, including Jews and Christians.
