Friday Sermon: Zohran Kwame Mamdani; I Am Muslim, And I Refuse To Apologise For It! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

In The Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Prophet Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the son of a well-known university lecturer, Professor Mahmood Mamdani, is an American politician who is the mayor-elect of New York City. A member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, he has served as a member of the New York State Assembly from the 36th district since 2021, representing the Queens neighborhood of Astoria. Born on 18 October, 1991 (age 34 years), in Kampala, Uganda.

In a landmark victory, this 34-year-old Democrat Zohran Kwame Mamdani celebrated his win in the fiercely contested New York City mayoral election with a rousing speech in Brooklyn. Zohran Kwame Mamdani, who will become the city’s youngest mayor in over five decades, addressed the crowd on “a message of hope in a time of darkness.”

During this victory speech, Zohran Kwame Mamdani directly challenged US President Donald Trump, reaffirming his Islamic identity and political stance, Zohran Kwame Mamdani addressed criticism about his age, faith, and ideology, stating:

“The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a Democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologise for any of this.”

Respected brothers and sisters! The age we live in today is an age of trial and tribulation, especially for the Muslims living in the non-Muslim societies of the West, in Nigeria and many other places in the world. You find many of them trying to strike a balance between their Islamic and Western identities. You find that when Islam is attacked they turn to the defensive with an inner feeling of defeat as they try to show that the Islamic values are no different than the Western ones. If they are told that the Islamic political system is dictatorial they respond by trying to show it is democratic. If they are told that Islam was spread by the sword they respond that Muslims fought only to defend themselves when attacked. They present a false interpretation of Islam without realising it, for the purpose of pleasing the non-Muslims.

On the other hand, you find others trying to hide their Islamic identity for fear of being labeled as either “extremist” “terrorist” or “fundamentalist.” Men are shaving their beards and women are trying to make their Hijab look like the latest fashion out there. The youth try to imitate the non-Muslims in all walks of life, they take the pop stars and sport stars as their role models, and take non-Muslims as their close friends and buddies. All this for the sake of trying to fit into the Western society and not stand out. At school if a teacher attacks or mocks Islam, the Muslim student sits there silently too embarrassed to respond back or for fear that if he responds the teacher will give him low grades. If the Muslims living in the West and everywhere in the world were to continue on this path, it is feared that a day will come when you will no longer be able to differentiate between a Muslim and a non-Muslim, and unfortunately we can already see that taking place. So how can we cure this problem, and how can we bring this phenomenon to an end?

First and foremost, we must strive to gain knowledge and understanding of our religion, for Allah has made a clear distinction between the possessors of knowledge and the ignorant ones. Allah Almighty says:

“Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” [Qur’an, 39:9]

So if we were to strive to educate ourselves in our religion, we would realise the importance of holding fast to the teachings of Islam, and we would value what Allah has given to us and not give it up so easily in the face of trial and tribulation.

Secondly, we must realise that there has been an ongoing battle since the beginning of time, and that is the enmity between the allies of Allah and the allies of Satan (Shaitan). Let us not forget the story of our father Prophet Adam (AS), when Allah created him and commanded Iblis (Satan) to prostrate to him, he refused due to his arrogance and pride, and said:

“I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.” [Qur’an, 7:12]

As a result of that Allah ordered him out of Paradise, so he said:

“Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them, on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful to You.” [Qur’an, 7: 16,17]

And let us not forget how Satan (Shaitan) deceived Prophet Adam and his wife (Hawwa/Eve), and caused them to eat from the tree which Allah had forbade them from, out of enmity towards them. As a result of that Allah caused them to descend to Earth. Reminding us of this, Allah the Most High says:

“O children of Adam, let not Satan (Shaitan) tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he see you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe.” [Qur’an, 7:27]

So this is the reality of the enmity of Satan (Shaitan) with mankind. Thus, the war goes on, and will continue to go on till the Last Day. If we were to comprehend this fact we would come to the realisation that our enemies, the allies of Satan (Shaitan) from both the jinn and mankind, do not want us to remain firm upon our religion (Islam), rather they want us to abandon it in its totality so that no distinction can be made between us and them, as Allah Almighty says:

“They wish you would disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so you would become alike.” [Qur’an, 4:89]

And He the Most High says:

“Many of the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves, even after the truth has become clear to them.” [Qur’an, 2:109]

And:

“And never will the Jews and the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their religion.” [Qur’an, 2:120]

The one who becomes conscious of this will never give up practicing his religion so easily and will never feel embarrassed to stand up for it, because he knows what he is standing up against: his enemy.

Thirdly, we must inculcate within ourselves a sense of pride for what Allah has given to us and feel that all other ways of life are inferior to Islam. It is this sense of pride that is missing in many Muslims today. They feel embarrassed or ashamed to show their Islamic identity, trying to hide it especially when Islam is attacked. Let us turn to the example of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), when they accepted Islam they became proud of it and felt that it was superior to all other ideologies and ways of life.

When Abu Zarr (RA) accepted Islam he was told to keep it a secret due to the volatile situation in Makkah, however he felt too much pride in what he had found to withhold himself and went to the Ka’abah to announce his Islam publicly which caused the Quraish of Makkah to beat him till he bled.

When the numbers of the Muslims reached approximately forty in Makkah, Umar and Hamza divided them into two groups, each one leading a group marching towards the Ka’abah with pride displaying the strength of the Muslims.

After the Muslims defeated the Romans to take over Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, they came to Umar (RA), who was the Khalifah at the time, and handed him the keys of Jerusalem along with the best of clothes and finest of horses so that he could enter the city in style. What did he do? He told them to take it back, and took hold of his donkey walking towards the city wearing his regular clothes, and said:

“We used to be the most humiliated of people, so Allah granted us glory and pride through Islam, so no matter how much we seek glory and pride through other than what Allah has granted us glory and pride through, Allah will humiliate us.”

In the battle between the Muslims and the Persians, Rustom, the leader of the Persian army, asked to negotiate with the Muslims. Sa’ad Bin Abi Waqqas, the leader of the Muslim army, sent a group of companions including Rib’i Bin Amir. The Persians prepared a magnificent reception in order to impress the Muslims and weaken their position. As the Muslims arrived, the Persians asked them to disarm before entering. Rib’i Bin Amir refused and entered with his arms and horse and tied it next to Rustom.

Now contemplate over the dialogue that takes place next between Rustom and Rib’i Bin Amir:

Rustom asked: “What brings you here?” Rib’i said: “Allah has sent us to convert mankind from the worship of people to the worship of Allah, from the narrowness of this life to its wideness, and from the oppression of the religions to the justice of Islam. Allah has sent us to his creation with His religion. Whoever accepts it, we accept from him, and whoever refuses, we fight him until we attain the Promise of Allah.” Rustom asked: “What is His Promise?” Rib’i answered: “Paradise for those who die, and victory for those who survive.” Rustom said: “Can you delay this matter until we think over it?” Rib’i responded: “Yes, how many days do you need, one or two?” Rustom replied: “More, until I write to my people.” Rib’i said: “We can’t, our Prophet does not authorise us to delay our enemies more than three days, so make up your mind.”

This was the pride the companions had of their religion, and this is the pride that many Muslims have been stripped of today. The one who inculcates this pride in his heart will always value his Islam and take pride in it, holding it high above all other ways of life.

We must not forget the reason behind our existence, to worship Allah and please Him so that we receive our reward in the Hereafter. This cannot be done except by giving precedence to the next life over this present life. The Muslims we see who are too embarrassed or afraid to display their Islamic identity tend to hide it due to fear of some harm afflicting them in this life or due to some worldly gain and benefit. However, if they were to focus their attention on what awaits them in the Hereafter they would forget about what this temporary life has to offer them. Reflect over what Allah has said in the noble Qur’an:

“Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of the worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a very little?” [Qur’an, 9:38]

“But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting.” [Qur’an, 87:16,17]

“Beautified for those who disbelieve is the life of this world, and they ridicule those who believe. But those who fear Allah are above them on the Day of Resurrection.” [Qur’an, 2:212]

“Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed by them, they would exchange derisive glances. And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting. And when they saw them, they would say, “Indeed these are truly lost.” But they had not been sent as guardians over them. So Today (on the Day of Judgment), those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers, on adorned couches, observing. Have the disbelievers not been rewarded this Day for what they used to do?” [Qur’an, 83:29-36]

Fellow brothers and sisters! Do not forget that if you truly look forward to the Hereafter you will be tested and tried in this world. This is why Ibn Mas’ud (RA) said:

“Whoever desires the present life will be harmed by the Hereafter, and whoever desires the Hereafter will be harmed by the present life.”

So uphold your Islamic identity, feel proud of it, never give it up in the face of opposition or ridicule, and remember that you are a Muslim before anything else.

Yes, some Muslims overwhelmingly hide their religious identity in a professional setting. That is an embarrassing truth. Decades of Islamophobia have made their mark on a generation of Muslim professionals who today go out of their way to avoid publicly surfacing their religious identity.

For example, in their CVs, Christians have no qualms about citing that they raised funds for a church. Jews easily mention their work for Jewish community groups. Muslims in contrast blank their religious associations and hide them.

And it’s not just in their resumes. This extends more broadly.

Wallahi, it is so sad that some Muslims are so shy or perhaps not proud of displaying their religion where necessary. What I mean is that you see a Muslim refusing to pray in his place of work because he does not want to offend his Boss. You see a sister removing Hijab because she is afraid of what people might say about her. You see a Muslim celebrating Chrismas with his friends just because he does not want to hurt them. And celebrating Chrismas by a Muslim is an affirmation that Jesus is God.

On one hand, we know that the Hindus do not eat cow, and they proudly say it. We know that the Sikh wear Turban and carry swords even on the aeroplane. But a Muslim is afraid to carry the Qur’an on the plane. Why are we shy of our religion? Are you having doubts that Allah is not true? Or are you having doubt that Islam is not the true religion? If they are not ready to compromise their religion, why would you compromise your religious teachings? They drink alcohol publically because it is part of their culture, but as Muslim, you cannot wear Muslim-clothes because you feel looking like a Muslim makes you look weak.

At times some Muslims cannot pray on a journey or in public because they don’t even want to be recognised as Muslims. Today so sad, you see a Muslim sister challenging her sister for wearing Hijab. You see a Muslim telling his fellow Muslim that you are so devoted to Islam, I even heard of a family that sent their kid to Canada in order to divert his attention from Islam. These are Muslims, my fathers and sisters. Our fellow Muslim makes us feel more uncomfortable than our non-muslim counterparts. This is the highest peak of hypocrisy (Nifaq). Wallahi fear Allah. Islam is the only true religion in the sight of Allah. If you are ashamed to be called a Muslim, then I don’t think Allah will be happy to see you too. Because Allah says, I love those who love me, and I am with those who love me. Wallahi you cannot be with Allah if you are shy to show that you are his servant (Muslim).

Dear brothers and sisters! You are Muslim believers, and your identity as a Muslims is a gift from Allah. This is not a label to be hidden, but a source of strength and dignity that should be carried with confidence. When you perform your prayers, fast during Ramadan, or wear your Hijab, you do so in obedience to your Creator, Allah. Never imagine that people are looking down on you; they may, in fact, be secretly admiring the conviction and connection you have with your Lord.

The ultimate source of a believer’s pride should come from Islam itself, not from worldly approval. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught that the strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer. Part of that strength is the courage to stand for truth and not shy away from your faith in the face of pressure or misunderstanding.

My beloved people! Know that, Wallahi, your Islamic identity is a gift from Allah, a source of immense strength and guidance. Do not let the opinions of others diminish the value of what Allah has given you. The world may try to make modesty seem “backward” or confidence seem “arrogant,” but true dignity comes from your connection to your Creator, Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught us that a strong believer is better and more loved by Allah than a weak one. Be that strong believer. Carry your identity with pride, as it is a constant reminder that you have a purpose and a clear path in life, regardless of external pressures.

When you embrace your identity, you become an ambassador of your faith to the world around you. People see Islam through your actions and character. This is a great responsibility but also an opportunity to create a positive impression. You do not need to be an Islamic scholar to preach Islam; your good manners, your honesty, and your professional ethics are all forms of Da’awah. Stand firm in your beliefs, for Allah has named you “Muslim” and chosen you for this path.

For example, in Islam, there are two types of shyness or modesty: praiseworthy one and blameworthy one. Praiseworthy shyness is the inner shame and conscientiousness that prevents you from committing sins and displeasing Allah. It is an indispensable part of faith, as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“Shyness (Haya) does not bring anything except good.”

Blameworthy shyness (Haya) is feeling ashamed or too shy to perform an action that Allah has ordered, such as wearing the Hijab, praying in public, or speaking about your faith. This is a weakness in faith, as you are giving more weight to people’s opinions than to the command of your Creator.

Refuse to be limited by a false sense of shyness that hinders your religion. The righteous are described as being bold and confident in their faith.

Yes, no doubt, you will face challenges and tests when openly practicing your religion. People may ridicule or oppose you. Put your trust in Allah Almighty. Your worth and ultimate success come only from Allah, not from the fleeting acceptance of this world. Be confident in who you are, what you believe, and your ultimate purpose: to serve Allah alone.

To my respected non-Muslim brothers and sisters! “For You Is Your Religion, And For Me Is My Religion!”

Allah the Most High says:

“Say, “O disbelievers…! I do not worship what you worship, Nor will you worship that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. Nor will you worship that which I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” [Qur’an, 109: 1-6]

In short and in summary, this Qur’anic chapter (Surah) Al-Kafirun was revealed during a critical period of opposition and rejection faced by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Its main message revolves around the concept of monotheism, emphasising the irreconcilable differences between believers and disbelievers. The Surah (Chapter) promotes tolerance, respect, and the acceptance of religious differences, while also encouraging unity within the Muslim Ummah. It serves as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to reject any compromise with polytheism. Allah the Most High says:

“For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.”

Finally, fellow Nigerians! Know that, this is not a time for any useless and senseless arguments and bickering between us, this is the time of unity and the time to stand for our beloved country, Nigeria. We are standing up for Nigeria on this and we stand against the wicked invasion of our great nation by Donald Trump. Let’s live in peace with everyone!

Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa bara ka tuh.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.