Jazib Mehmood, Ghana
Kwame is a Ghanaian name. In the Akan language, it refers to someone born on a Saturday. I know this because growing up in Ghana, I was often called by this traditional naming style myself. So what are the odds that the mayor-elect of New York City is Zohran “Kwame” Mamdani?
Roots across continents
Even more surprising is the fact that he is actually named after Kwame Nkrumah, the first Prime Minister of Ghana. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an Indian-Ugandan academic with such a fascination for the Pan-African leader that he decided to name his son Kwame.
It’s no understatement to say that Mamdani has global roots. Born in Uganda in East Africa, he is a Democratic Socialist Muslim immigrant whose family’s roots trace back to India. A few days ago, he was elected as the first Indian-American, Ugandan-born Muslim mayor of New York City. At 34 years old, he’s also the youngest mayor in a century.
Popularity and prejudice
American politics often has a way of appearing on the global stage with pomp and circumstance, especially when the turn of events is rather novel (as it usually is). In this case, it was almost a no-brainer. He’s been all over the news and social media, and has found a particularly loyal fan base not just among Americans, but people all over the world.
But though the characters might be new, the script most certainly isn’t; the racism and discrimination that made its rounds on TV and social media during the election race were certainly familiar ground. Bigots left no stone unturned in attacking Mamdani’s Muslim, Indian, and even African heritage, and many declared him an extremist.
Anyone who spends some time online would inevitably have seen the exhausting, recycled allegations made against him just because he makes no attempts to hide his Muslim identity, his stance against Israel (he has publicly stated that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians) or his other positions, which are critical of the establishment.
Although the racist, Islamophobic fearmongering is nothing new, it never fails to unmask the true nature of those in power in the USA who claim to be the torchbearers of justice and morality. His opponent has expressed the possibility that he would cheer if a terrorist attack happened in New York. A far-right politician literally suggested there would be another 9/11 attack under Mamdani as mayor. He’s been branded a “known jihadist terrorist” and “communist,” and his American citizenship did not stop some politicians from calling for his deportation.
Nevertheless, the sort of vitriol that Mamdani has had to endure during the election is almost nothing compared to what he can be expected to face once he assumes office. Already, the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) has launched a “Mamdani Monitor” to track and monitor the policies and personnel appointments of the incoming mayor. This move has been rightfully recognised as scaremongering and Islamophobia, but it is likely to be the first of many.
Hypocrisy of a Pakistani leader
Another interesting dimension to this saga is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s statement, in which he congratulated Mamdani on his historic win and declared it a “proud moment for progressives everywhere.” The irony is palpable and has not been lost on rational observers in Pakistan and abroad.
America, with all its flaws, allows Mamdani to be democratically elected despite belonging to a minority (a nod at the American dream of meritocracy), but he would most likely not be allowed to run for office if he were a minority in Pakistan. These minorities largely include Ahmadis, who are constitutionally declared non-Muslim and face persecution daily in Pakistan.
The true Islamic principle
But if Mamdani decides to follow the remarkable example of the Holy Prophetsa, New Yorkers have absolutely nothing to worry about, and the sort of overt discrimination Mamdani has faced for being a Muslim is wholly unjustified. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, who has highlighted the blessed character of the Holy Prophetsa on many occasions, states:
“The Prophetsa of Islam championed the rights of all people, of all races and of all beliefs and was a source of unparalleled mercy and grace for all mankind. From every pore and fibre of his being gushed forth an eternal spring of love and compassion for humanity. For example, on one occasion, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said: ‘I am with the weak because aiding the weak and poor is the means of reaching Allah the Almighty.’
“Furthermore, the Prophetsa of Islam taught that Allah the Almighty was most pleased by those who helped the poor, who filled their empty stomachs and who arranged medical treatment for them. Hence, if a person claims to be a true Muslim, it is his obligation and overriding duty to assist all those who are facing difficulties and to strive to alleviate their distress and heartache.” (A Message for Our Time, p. 46)
The actions of some Muslims have tainted this beautiful teaching, but His Holinessaa recognises this and reminds us of our responsibilities:
“Even if some leaders do not expressly state their opinions, they harbour enmity and reservations against Islam within their hearts. Due to being unaware of Islam’s true teachings, these leaders and a large part of the general public oppose Muslims. Regardless, it is through our prayers and efforts that we must inform the world of the true teachings of Islam.” (Friday Sermon, 6 November 2020)
What is the mark of a true leader?
Having said all this, it is worth noting that Mamdani has garnered considerable support, in part due to his likeable manner and resonance with the sentiments of many people around the world. But it can also be argued that by and large, he is lauded globally not because of his policies, but because he has won favour with the crowd by saying all the right things.
However, a true leader is not recognised by quippy remarks or good soundbites; rather, it is only in following the true values of leadership that they can be declared victorious. Allah the Almighty tells us in the Holy Quran that leaders must always deal with those under their responsibility with justice and fairness. (Surah An-Nisa’, Ch.4: V.59)
This is precisely why Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has stated that leaders “should consider and respect the feelings and sentiments of all people. The leaders and their governments should strive to create laws that foster an environment and spirit of truth and justice, rather than making laws that are a means of causing distress and frustration to the people.” (World Crisis and Pathway to Peace, pp. 36–37)
If Mamdani acts accordingly, he will dispense his obligation to the people of New York. However, to blindly support him merely because of his overwhelming support with voters would be shortsighted – and in today’s world, rather disadvantageous.