NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Urges America to Follow Islam & Prophet Muhammad on Immigration [VIDEO]

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated during an interfaith breakfast event that America should draw inspiration from Islam and the story of Prophet Muhammad when considering support for migration and immigrants.

In his remarks, he described Islam as “a religion built upon a narrative of migration,” referencing the Hijra (the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina), where Muhammad “was a stranger too” and was welcomed in Medina.

He cited Quranic verse (Surah An-Nahl 16:42) about blessing those who emigrate after persecution and a hadith: “Islam began as something strange and will go back to being strange, so glad tidings to the strangers.”

Mamdani used this to argue for standing with “the stranger” today, in the context of reaffirming New York City’s sanctuary status, launching immigrant protections, and criticizing federal immigration enforcement.

This statement has drawn significant attention and criticism online, with some viewing it as promoting Islamic teachings as a model for U.S. policy, while others highlight perceived ironies (e.g., restrictions on non-Muslims in Mecca) or concerns about religious influence in governance.

The comments come amid his recent executive order strengthening sanctuary policies and restricting ICE access on city property.