El-Sayed, Mamdani and the Future of Muslims in the West | Dr. Yasir Qadhi

Summary

Dr. Yasir Qadhi argues that online disputes give a misleading picture of Muslim communities. Social media can magnify sectarian divisions—and may be distorted by bots—while in-person communities are often more focused on faith, family, and service. He encourages Muslims, especially young people, to spend less time in online arguments and more time in mosques, schools, and community work. He believes Muslim communities are experiencing a broader revival, with Gaza’s resilience and suffering inspiring Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

On Muslim politicians such as Zohran Mamdani and Abdul El-Sayed, Qadhi says he does not endorse particular candidates, but sees value in Muslims bringing ethical concern and public service into politics. He urges voters to weigh likely benefits against harms rather than demand perfect candidates. In his view, a candidate’s position on a specific moral issue should be considered alongside the practical consequences of the alternatives—for example, whether a candidate would oppose funding that sustains genocide. He cautions, however, against treating politicians as saviours: Muslims remain responsible for their own actions and community contributions.

Qadhi says Muslims in Western countries should preserve their faith and pass it on to their children, while representing Islam through good conduct. He rejects the idea that Muslims should seek to dominate or impose their beliefs on wider society. Instead, they can advocate for shared social benefits through persuasion and democratic participation, without coercion. He also urges Muslims to distinguish between committed anti-Muslim hostility and prejudice rooted in ignorance, which may be addressed through education, empathy, and personal example.

On hijrah (migration), Qadhi says Muslims may live wherever they can practise their faith and are not compelled to commit major sins. He considers Western societies broadly permissive in this respect, while stressing that people facing coercion, physical danger, or severe persecution should assess their circumstances with trusted local scholars and advisers. He cautions against romanticising life elsewhere: some people who migrate find that their faith or stability suffers, and may discover new challenges they had not anticipated. Rather than making migration a universal ideal, he suggests asking where one can best serve others and do good.

Reflecting on his first visit to Syria, Qadhi describes seeing ordinary people able to live more freely after years of war. He neither endorses the government nor dismisses criticism, but argues that observers should account for the country’s history and the difficult political realities facing its leaders. He calls for realistic expectations, noting that political change often involves compromise. He makes a similar point about Salahuddin, saying that understanding history requires recognising the diplomacy and pragmatism behind his achievements, rather than relying on idealised myths.

Finally, Qadhi warns that AI could weaken people’s ability to think independently and may pose a spiritual risk if users hand over too much of their judgment to technology. He sees useful applications, including in medicine and everyday tasks, and encourages Muslims to help shape AI ethically rather than reject it outright. Parents, he says, should set limits on children’s use of AI and social media and ensure they continue learning and working independently. He closes by urging young Muslims to be optimistic, trust in Allah, and meet the challenges of their time through their own efforts.

Presenters and Contributors

• Dr. Yasir Qadhi — guest
• OnePath Network podcast host/interviewer — not identified by name in the subtitles