A Candidate, An Imam, and a Political Storm: How a Single Photo Raised Questions About Risk, Faith, and Memories of Terrorism
In a city where politics often collide with the personal histories of individuals, where races, beliefs, and ideological convictions are intertwined in every aspect of public life, a recent story has disturbed the calm and ignited a fiery debate.
At the center of this story is Zohran Mamdani, a left-leaning socialist candidate, currently one of the leading contenders for the office of New York City mayor. But it is not his political ideas that are being talked about the most — it is a photo, a meeting, and a controversial religious figure that have placed his candidacy under the harshest possible scrutiny.
The Photo That Sparked Suspicion
In the days following the first mayoral debate, Mamdani posted on the social media platform X a photo taken at Masjid At-Taqwa, a well-known mosque in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was seen smiling beside Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a figure with a dark history, linked to controversial ideology and extremist rhetoric. Also in the photo was Councilman Yusef Salaam, one of the five young men famously known as the “Central Park Five,” who became a symbol of racial injustice and currently serves as a city councilor in Harlem.
Mamdani wrote:
“Today at Masjid At-Taqwa, I had the pleasure of meeting Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the nation’s most influential Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century.”
What initially seemed like an ordinary community meeting quickly took on political and national dimensions.
Who is Imam Siraj Wahhaj?
The imam, now 75 years old, has a long history of religious and political activity. He was named by federal prosecutors as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, which killed six people and injured hundreds.
He has publicly defended those convicted for this attack and at one point declared that the FBI and CIA are the “real terrorists.”
During a sermon in the early 2000s, mentioned in a foreign intelligence report, Wahhaj called for the formation of an unarmed “army” of 10,000 Muslim men to carry out a “jihad” (in the form of peaceful protest) throughout the streets of New York City. He said:
“Don’t pick up a gun. Just march. March through the city of New York. Let them hear your voice day and night, until they can no longer sleep.”
Statements Against LGBTQ+
Besides his ties to terrorism-related controversies, Wahhaj has also been recorded using strong rhetoric against the LGBTQ+ community. In a sermon previously reported by Islamist Watch, he called homosexuality a “disease of this society” and quoted a hadith recommending the death penalty for same-sex relations.
Although he later emphasized that his followers should not resort to violence, he said the LGBTQ+ community should be “invited to Islam” and “made to feel uncomfortable.”
Why Does This Matter?
A foreign intelligence report, cited by the New York Post, highlights that Mamdani’s political ties to figures like Wahhaj could pose a real threat to national security, especially in a city like New York, which has been targeted by terrorism multiple times.
The report states:
“The evidence shows that Mamdani’s political career has not only been supported by activist movements but has been reinforced by alliances with figures who have documented histories of extremism, presenting a direct threat to the security of the city and the country.”
Political Reaction: Condemnation and Silence
Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa called this meeting “unforgivable” and declared:
“The fact that Mamdani stands with this imam is enough to disqualify him from the race.”
On the other hand, Mamdani has not commented further on the photo, leaving many questions unanswered about his stance on extremism, religious tolerance, and human rights.
Analysis: Is the Fault in Society or Individuals?
Some political analysts observe that Mamdani may have seen Wahhaj only as a community figure with influence in Brooklyn, without fully analyzing his past. Others accuse him of political calculation, saying he seeks to increase support within certain communities regardless of moral costs.
At a time when every action of politicians is scrutinized by public opinion, alliances with controversial figures can have serious consequences on public trust.
What’s Next?
Pressure on Mamdani to clearly distance himself from Wahhaj’s views is growing every day. The political community, voters, and human rights advocates demand a clear answer: Does the candidate support these views, or was it just a symbolic meeting with no ideological meaning?
If he chooses to remain silent, that silence may speak louder than any words.