Zohran Mamdani and New York’s Fight Against Islamophobia

Last updated on: August 18, 2025 at 8:42 pm by Amaan Ahmed

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Zohran Mamdani and New York’s Fight Against Islamophobia 2025-08-18T20:42:31-05:00 Amaan Ahmed

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This past June, against all odds, Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. Hailing from an Indian Muslim family, Zohran’s faith and heritage have been under relentless attack in recent months. He has been labeled “anti-Semitic,” “terrorist,” and “radical jihadist” — not for his policies, but for being Muslim. Sadly, such rhetoric reflects a broader rise in Islamophobia around the world, fueled by decades of fearmongering and the actions of fringe extremist groups. But the real question is this: should New Yorkers — the people of the most diverse city in the world — fear having a Muslim as their mayor? To answer, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common misconceptions about Islam and see how they hold up against reality.

Sharia Law — What It Means

For many New Yorkers, the words “Sharia law” might conjure images of something extreme, violent, or oppressive. So, will Zohran, as a Muslim, try to implement Sharia law in New York? To answer that, we first have to understand what Sharia is.

The word Sharia literally means “the path” or “the way,” and in Islamic tradition, it refers to the moral and ethical principles that guide a Muslim’s life. These include acts such as caring for orphans, showing kindness and respect to one’s parents, praying, giving charity, and fasting in Ramadan. Far from being a political weapon, Sharia at its core is about spiritual growth, moral conduct, and justice.

In fact, justice is a central command in Islam. The Qur’an says: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives” (4:135). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved of people to Allah on the Day of Judgment will be the just leader” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1329).

If Zohran follows Sharia in his ethics, it would compel him to be honest, fair, and compassionate — qualities any New Yorker should want in their mayor.

The Question of Loyalty

Another myth some hold is that Muslims have divided loyalties — that their true allegiance lies with foreign governments like Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Afghanistan. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Muslim Americans are as patriotic as any other citizens, and for them, loyalty to their country is part of their faith itself. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Love of one’s country is part of one’s faith.”

For Muslim New Yorkers, being loyal to the United States is both a civic responsibility and a religious principle. Suggesting otherwise ignores the countless Muslims who serve honorably in the armed forces, government, and public service.

9/11 and the Muslim Community

Some might still ask: how can a Muslim be mayor of the city that suffered the September 11 attacks? The memory of that day is seared into New York’s history — thousands of innocent lives were lost, and the grief is still raw for many families.

But it is essential to understand that the extremists who committed those atrocities had nothing to do with the teachings of Islam. Their actions directly violated its most fundamental principles. The Qur’an says: “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one — it is as if he had saved mankind entirely” (5:32). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught: “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe, and the believer is the one people trust with their lives and wealth” (Sunan al-Nasa’i 4995).

Islam is a religion of peace, mercy, and justice — not of terror. And what is often overlooked is that Muslims, too, were among the victims on 9/11. Muslim New Yorkers worked in the Twin Towers, and some died that day. Muslim firefighters, police officers, and EMTs rushed into danger to save lives. They mourned alongside their fellow New Yorkers, and they helped rebuild the city in the days and years that followed.

To judge an entire faith by the actions of a handful of extremists is both unjust and untrue.

A Chance to Lead by Example

Electing a Muslim mayor would send a clear message to the world: that New York will not be divided by fear or prejudice, but will stand united on the values of peace, justice, and equality. This city’s strength has always come from its diversity — from the countless cultures, languages, and faiths that call it home.

Let us not be defined by a past where suspicion and Islamophobia clouded our vision. Instead, let us define our future by courage, understanding, and the belief that leadership should be measured by integrity and vision, not by the faith one practices. If New York chooses inclusion over fear, it can once again show the world what true leadership looks like — and that, perhaps, is the most New York thing of all.

Politics and Religion

American-Muslims

About Amaan Ahmed

Amaan is a university student studying in New York City. He is passionate about studying world religions and defending the true teachings of Islam. You can read more about the author here.

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