NYC Muslim Mayor Invokes Islamic Teachings to Defend Sanctuary Protections for Immigrants
NYC Muslim Mayor Invokes Islamic Teachings to Defend Sanctuary Protections for Immigrants
——————————————-
New York City’s First Muslim mayor in its history, Zohran Mamdani, has defended a sweeping executive order limiting federal immigration enforcement in the city by drawing on Islamic teachings and the historic migration of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) to illustrate moral support for immigrants.
Mamdani made the remarks during the city’s annual interfaith breakfast in mid-Manhattan, where he framed sanctuary protections as a moral obligation rooted in compassion and shared religious values. He cited Islamic concepts of hijrah — the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina — to emphasise empathy for migrants and refugees, noting that Islam historically recognises the experience of being displaced.
At the event, Mamdani signed Executive Order 13, which reaffirms New York City’s sanctuary status by prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from entering city-run facilities such as schools, hospitals and shelters without judicial warrants and strengthening privacy protections for immigrants.
Mamdani’s speech also referenced scriptures from multiple faith traditions, including verse from Surah An-Nahl: “And those who emigrated for Allah after being wronged, we will surely settle them in this world in a good way.” to underline the importance of defending “the stranger,” prompting strong reactions on social media and in political commentary. Supporters described his remarks as a rare instance of faith-inspired advocacy for migrant rights at a major U.S. city level, while some critics warned against blending religious doctrine with public policy.
A first-generation immigrant and the city’s first Muslim mayor, Mamdani has repeatedly positioned himself as a vocal advocate for immigrant and refugee communities.
