As a Muslim American, I find myself at a crossroads in the national political landscape of the United States. We are highly productive, educated and successful members of the American fabric, yet our political choices often feel like choosing between two unfavorable options. The values we hold dear — faith, family, hard work and a deep commitment to the American dream — are increasingly difficult to align with the current political discourse.
On one hand, we have a candidate whose rhetoric and policies have often been overtly hostile towards immigrants, particularly those from Muslim-majority countries. As Muslim Americans, we support legal immigration because that was the path many of us took to become a part of this nation. We believe in the American dream and work tirelessly to achieve it, just like any other American. However, the recent promises from this candidate of mass raids, deportations and his pledge to expel immigrants or ban Muslims from the United States paint a picture of a leader who is out of step with the values of inclusivity and diversity that define America.
These positions stand in stark contrast to the Republican ideals of the 1980s and 1990s, which many Muslim Americans once supported. The Republican Party’s conservative values historically resonated with us, as they mirrored our own. However, the rise of bigotry and racism within the party’s ranks has alienated many Muslims, pushing them towards the Democratic Party, which has shown tolerance towards all people and created a sense of belonging for them here in the United States.
Democrats welcomed Muslim Americans, now they’ve turned on us
However, as we are observing now, our alignment with the Democrats is not without its own set of challenges. The recent indifference shown by the Democratic Party towards the plight of Palestinians has left many Muslim voters feeling betrayed. We are not pro-Hamas; we can vehemently oppose Hamas and their terrorist actions while also standing against the Israeli government’s policies. The U.S. unwavering support for Israel, even as it uses advanced American weapon technology to target civilians in Gaza, is deeply troubling. The fact that not a single Palestinian voice was given a platform at the Democratic National Convention speaks volumes about the party’s disregard for concerns of Muslims.
This creates a difficult situation for us as Muslim voters in the upcoming general elections. On one hand, how can we in good conscience support a party that is providing this platform to a candidate that promotes bigotry and exclusion? On the other, we struggle to fully endorse a party that turns a blind eye to the suffering of innocent people in Palestine. The Democratic Party’s stance on Palestine leaves a bad taste, but the alternative — a country shaped by a vision marred by prejudice — feels like a far greater concern to the future of our children and grandchildren.
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Muslim Americans aren’t the only ones dissatisfied with our current political climate
This struggle is not unique to Muslim Americans. Recent surveys show that many Americans share a deep dissatisfaction with the current political climate. There’s a growing sense that our politics is becoming increasingly divisive, with many feeling that both parties have strayed from their core values. The widespread disillusionment with the political process reflects the difficult choices that many, including Muslim Americans, must navigate as they seek to uphold their principles in a highly polarized environment.
Amidst these national challenges, it’s essential to remember the importance of participating in local politics. Local governments directly impact our daily lives, and active involvement in local political processes can lead to meaningful community changes. For Muslim voters, focusing on local politics provides an opportunity to influence policies and initiatives that align with our values, even as we navigate the complexities of national elections. To make a real impact, we must take the time to research local candidates thoroughly, understand what they stand for, and support those who reflect our values, regardless of their party affiliation. By voting for candidates based on their merits, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our communities are represented effectively.
Come November, our struggle at the ballot box will be real. We will be torn between opposing the Democrats on their Middle East policies and the need to reject the dangerous ideologies promoted by the far-right. Yet, not voting at all is also not an option, as it goes against our civic duty to participate in shaping the future of our country. In the end, our choice will feel less like a vote for our values and more like a vote against a future we cannot allow. The challenge for Muslim American voters is not just about choosing a candidate but navigating a political landscape that often forces us to compromise on the very principles that brought us here in the first place.
Fahad Khan is a community advocate and leader based in Oklahoma, with a focus on social justice as well as civic and policy engagement. He is passionate about exploring the intersection of culture, politics, and identity, particularly within the Muslim American community. Professionally, Fahad is a healthcare executive in the private sector, focusing on improving health disparities among Oklahomans to enhance the state’s overall health profile.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Muslim voters face a political dilemma in November
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