NYC Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani & Islam: Sharia Law and Media Myths Explained

Dear Readers,

We want to begin by saying that we are not scholars of Islam, but we write this newsletter from a place of respect, curiosity, and sincere intent. Our goal is to share what we see as the beauty, wisdom, and guidance that Islam offers to humanity. We pray that God forgives any errors while honoring the good intentions behind this effort.

This newsletter was inspired in part by the mean-spirited reactions toward Islam and toward Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in NYC, a practicing Muslim, whose faith became a topic of unnecessary controversy. It is unfortunate that fear, misinformation, and prejudice often distort the public’s understanding of Islam.

Weaponizing Islamophobia cannot be accepted as a norm or an excuse for ignorance, especially in this age of information and technology. Too often, we see this used in politics, which is why Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s speech was so powerful—he did not apologize for being a Muslim. To stop any form of prejudice, we must stand firmly in truth by all means necessary and learn to accept facts for what they are.

Our hope is that through this newsletter, readers can gain a better understanding of Islam, its principles of justice, equality, and compassion, and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities. We share this not to debate, but to educate, inspire reflection, and encourage people to see Islam as a path toward peace, understanding, and universal respect.

Surah(Chapter) 4:135 of the Qur’an says, “Stand firm for justice as witnesses for God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives.” This is one of the clearest verses showing that Islam requires justice without favoritism. Justice and fairness are not optional—they are commanded by God.

Islam has been part of the American story for generations. Leaders such as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X, and The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan brought Islam into public conversation because of the powerful transformation it brought to individuals and communities—especially within the Black community. Islam encouraged discipline, dignity, self-worth, and the belief that we should stand strong against injustice in all forms.

Yet today, when the word Sharia is mentioned, mainstream media often uses it as a scare tactic. Instead of teaching what it actually means, media and politicians push fear and stereotypes. As a society, we rarely slow down to do our own research, and fear fills the space where knowledge is missing.

To understand Islam, we must separate culture from religion and facts from propaganda. Islam simply means peace, and a Muslim is “one who submits to the will of God.” Islam teaches that everything in creation submits to God, which is why Islam is not new and does not have a beginning date. Submission to God appears throughout the Bible as well—every prophet from Moses to Jesus taught obedience to one God. Sharia means “the path,” or the path toward goodness and right living. It covers personal, family, social, moral, and financial matters. It teaches prayer, charity, fasting, honesty, and responsibility.

Sharia’s foundation is freedom, equality, and protecting human rights—life, property, family, and well-being. The Bible and Sharia both provide guidelines for how a community should treat one another with justice, fairness, and accountability.

Many Christians are surprised to learn that the Bible also presents a system of divine law. In the Old Testament, God gives Moses commandments for society. Jesus taught those commandments and deepened them by focusing on the heart. Islam continues this same tradition. Moses brought law. Jesus brought fulfillment. Muhammad brought law back into society. All three follow one God who guides humanity through prophets, scripture, and moral teachings. When placed side by side, the laws of the Torah and the values of Sharia both emphasize loving your neighbor, protecting the weak, and living by righteousness.

People fear Sharia because they only hear about punishment, not purpose. In reality, Sharia is about compassion, charity, community, and justice. Prophet Muhammad taught, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,” which mirrors Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Sharia demands caring for the hungry, supporting the poor, visiting the sick, and standing against racism. The Qur’an teaches that God made different nations so that we may learn from one another, not hate each other. No race is superior to another—character is what matters. When we look at the values, we see that Sharia and Biblical teachings are more alike than different.

Islam is not a religion only for Arabs. It is a universal message for all people and all nations. Most Muslims in the world are not Arab—Indonesia has the largest Muslim population, followed by Pakistan, India, Nigeria, and Turkey. The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic because that was the language of the community, just as older scriptures were revealed in Hebrew or Aramaic.

But the message is for all humanity. Islam teaches unity, not division, and sadly, media headlines often twist the religion into something frightening. People are told what to think about Islam instead of reading the Qur’an themselves. Anyone who picks it up will find respect for Jesus, honor for Mary, and a deep commitment to justice and human dignity.

Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet of God, born miraculously from Mary, performing miracles and returning at the end of time. Jesus is mentioned by name in the Qur’an more than Prophet Muhammad. If Jesus walked into a mosque today, he would recognize the worship of one God, the humility of bowing in prayer, and the modesty and discipline that match his own teachings. Islam rejects racism and oppression in any form. Prophet Muhammad freed slaves, stood against injustice, and chose Bilal—a Black man who had been enslaved—to give the very first call to prayer.

That is not discrimination—that is liberation and equality under God.

WOMEN IN ISLAM

Islam also honors women in ways that were revolutionary in the 7th century. The Qur’an gave women the right to inherit property, keep their own financial earnings, choose their spouse, and seek divorce—rights that did not exist in most societies at that time. The Qur’an teaches, “Men and women are protectors of one another” (9:71), and “The most honorable in the sight of God is the most righteous” (49:13). Islam empowers women; inequality comes from culture and misbehavior—not from the religion.

This is why personal research matters. Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world despite the negative portrayals. People are reading the Qur’an for themselves and finding clarity, purpose, and peace. Islam teaches freedom, justice, and equality and has helped millions rebuild their lives with discipline, dignity, and faith in a higher purpose. This newsletter is not criticizing any religion, but reminding everyone that respect is universal. Whether you choose Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, we should honor one another’s freedom to worship and learn.

We encourage anyone who has questions to visit a mosque, meet an imam, and have a conversation grounded in truth, not fear. Understanding removes fear. Knowledge ends prejudice. Justice begins with us.