Muhammad Ali Defends Islam, Criticizes Donald Trump

One of the country's most renowned American Muslims, Muhammad Ali, spoke out Wednesday against a growing political anti-Islamic sentiment, particularly in respect to comments made by presidential candidate Donald Trump.

While the boxing champion did not name Trump specifically in his written statement to NBC News, it is clear where and to whom his criticism is aimed.

Ali opened his statement, headlined "Presidential Candidates Proposing to Ban Muslim Immigration to the United States," by repudiating the recent terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino.

"I am a Muslim and there is nothing Islamic about killing innocent people in Paris, San Bernardino, or anywhere else in the world," Ali wrote. "True Muslims know that the ruthless violence of so called Islamic Jihadists goes against the very tenets of our religion."

Ali went on to condemn politicians who stoked hate against Islam for political gain.

"We as Muslims have to stand up to those who use Islam to advance their own personal agenda," he said. "They have alienated many from learning about Islam. True Muslims know or should know that it goes against our religion to try and force Islam on anybody."

Republican candidate Trump, who has called Ali a friend in the past, was heavily criticized for recent statements regarding Muslims. In the aftermath of the mass shooting in San Bernardino, Trump suggested barring Muslims from entering the country.

Trump also got heat for a tweet on Sunday, in which he responded to Obama saying, "Muslim-Americans are our friends and our neighbors, our co- workers, our sports heroes," in his address to the nation.

Critics were quick to remind Trump of many successful Muslim athletes, most notably Trumps' "friend" Muhammad Ali.

In 1964, heavyweight champion Cassius Clay surprised the country by changing his name and converting to Islam. He became the subject of controversy and vitriol when he later refused to serve in the Vietnam War.

Ali was stripped of his title and sentenced to five years in prison, but the Supreme Court later overturned the conviction.

The boxing legend has spoken out numerous times defending Islam, including in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Watch below.