Thousands gather for Muslim funeral honoring Muhammad Ali

A traditional Muslim funeral service for Muhammad Ali began Thursday in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky opening two days of farewell ceremonies for the beloved boxing legend and civil rights hero.

An estimated 16,000 people of all creeds and ages packed the Freedom Hall arena for a prayer service for Ali, who died last week at the age of 74.

A funeral procession will wind its way through the city Friday for people to pay their last respects to one of the 20th century’s most singular personalities.

Agence France-Presse