The opposition is bringing up the 'Muslim' identity to attack Zohran, how is he responding?
The opposition is bringing up the 'Muslim' identity to attack Zohran, how is he responding?
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A new storm has arisen in the political sky of New York. The name of Zohran Mamdani, the bright star of the Democratic Party, is on everyone's lips today in the mayoral election field of the most influential city in the world. But in the last phase of this election, when the light of victory has begun to appear, his opponents have started trying to hurt him by using his 'Muslim' identity as a weapon. They want to hurt Zohran with the poisonous arrows of Islamophobia, but Zohran? He is not just hurt; rather, he has turned that hurt into a source of his strength. His response is not just personal, it is a declaration of a fight to protect the dignity of an entire community. Today, in this article, we will highlight the story of Zohran's extraordinary journey, the cunning of his opponents and his courageous resistance. This is not just the story of a politician, but an epic poem about the struggle for tolerance, justice and identity.
Zohran Mamdani: The extraordinary rise of a young Muslim
Zohran Mamdani was born in 1991 in Harlem, New York. His parents immigrated from Uganda, where they were part of a Muslim family. Zohran's life was a struggle from a young age. While in college, he began fighting for labor rights, and later was elected to the New York State Assembly. He came out on top in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor in 2025. His campaign slogan? "Justice for all." He has stood up for people on issues like the housing crisis, education inequality, and climate change. But his Muslim identity, which he proudly carries, has suddenly become a weapon against him.
His campaign was smooth in the early stages of the election. Zohran’s speeches were filled with hope—his dream of making New York, the most diverse city in the United States, more inclusive. But in late October, as voters began to turn to him, his opponents began to attack him. Right-wing media outlets like Fox News dug up his old biography. They claimed that Zohran lied about his racial identity to take advantage of affirmative action in college. They went further, portraying his Muslim faith as a “source of international hatred.” These attacks are not just political, they are a virulent form of Islamophobia. New York is home to nearly a million Muslims, and these attacks also target their dignity. What the opposition failed to realize was that this blow would not weaken Zohran; rather, it would strengthen him.
Opposition's strategy: Using Muslim identity as a weapon to attack
Identity games are not new in electoral politics, but they are particularly vicious in Zohran’s case. His main rivals—who are aligned with Republican and conservative groups—are trying to portray him as “foreign” or “other” by bringing up his Muslim identity. On a Fox News program, host Charlie Hart called Zohran a “racist,” claiming that he is against American values. They have distorted the story of his college life, based on a New York Times report. The purpose of these attacks is clear: to instill fear among Muslim voters and to sow doubt among white, Christian voters.
This is not just a media game. A troll army has been active on social media. They are trying to link his religious identity to Islamic extremism by spreading hashtags like #ZohranTheThreat. They are even portraying his pro-Palestinian stance—which he supports from a perspective of justice—as an “international conspiracy.” The result of this strategy? His support in the polls has waned, especially in suburban areas. But Zohran’s opponents are mistaken. They think that if you hit a Muslim, he will accept defeat. But they will not understand from Zohran’s response that Islam teaches tolerance and resistance.
Zohran's response: A call for passion, courage and unity
Friday, October 24, 2025—This day is a turning point in Zohran’s life. Standing in front of the Bronx Islamic Cultural Center mosque, he delivers an emotional speech. Tears well up in his eyes, but his voice is unwavering. “My opponents are spreading hate and Islamophobia at the last minute of the election,” he says. “It doesn’t just hurt me; it targets the dignity of nearly a million Muslims in New York. But here’s the difference: How much humiliation are we willing to tolerate? I will not tolerate it.” The speech went viral on social media, and his number of supporters continued to grow.
Zohran's response is not just in words, but in actions. He has made his campaign more inclusive. He has formed alliances with Jewish, Christian, Hindu and other community leaders. Notably, several Jewish rabbis in New York have come out in support of him. They say, "Zohran's fight is a fight for everyone's rights. We believe in democracy and equality." Jewish leaders like Brad Lander, who came third in the primary, have joined his campaign, calling Zohran a "friend." Through this unity, Zohran is showing that his Muslim identity is not about division, but about building bridges.
Another strategy is to mobilise the youth. On social media, he shares his personal stories in live sessions—how he finds peace by praying in a mosque, how Islam shows him the path to justice. “My religion taught me to stand up against oppression,” he says. These stories are resonating with young Muslims, and they are volunteering for his campaign. As a result, his voter base is not limited to Muslims; it is diverse.
Its impact: a new chapter in New York politics
Zohra's resistance has opened up a new horizon in New York politics. His support is growing, especially among young people and minorities. According to polls, his voter turnout has surpassed 45%. But the bigger impact is social. The fight has sparked a national movement against Islamophobia. Comedians like Hassan Minhaj are standing up for him, and activists like Ayesha Kurmani have taken to the streets with him. It shows that identity is no longer a tool for division in American politics; it is a source of strength.
Zohran's story teaches us that resistance, not silence, is the answer in the face of oppression. Young people like him, who carry their identity with pride, will shape the future. Whether he wins the November elections or not, his fight will go down in history. Because this is not just one man's fight; it is a fight for the rights of all minorities.
A new New York in the light of hope
Zohran Mamdani’s journey reminds us that it is courage that can light the way to a brighter future. Her opponents have sought to destroy her Muslim identity, but she has made that identity her greatest weapon. Her response is one of passion, unity, and unwavering faith. On the streets of New York, in front of mosques, on social media—her voice resonates: “We will not be afraid, we will fight.” This fight is not just hers; it is all of ours. If we all join hands in this unity, one day New York—and the world—will become truly inclusive. May warriors like Zohran triumph, and hatred be defeated. May God give her strength, and show us all the path to tolerance.
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