Assma Ali, appointed as the first Muslim municipal judge in Benoit, Mississippi, has been subjected to intense online criticism and accusations that she intends to implement Sharia law. The historic appointment, made earlier this month, has been overshadowed by a torrent of abuse directed at Ali, who has served as an immigration lawyer in the state.
Ali, who took her oath of office on August 5, has unequivocally stated that her judicial decisions will be based solely on the United States Constitution and the laws of Mississippi. "I will not impose Sharia law, and it will have no place in my courtroom," she told the Daily Mail. Ali, a U.S. native, expressed her commitment to fairness, integrity, and impartiality in her new role.
Her appointment drew sharp criticism from some political figures. Republican State Senator Michael McLendon has been particularly vocal on social media, questioning the silence of other Mississippi leaders on Ali's appointment and suggesting deep connections to state government. McLendon has called for Ali's removal from the bench and invoked concerns about Mississippi becoming "the next Dearborn, Michigan," referring to a city with a significant Muslim population.
Andy Gipson, Mississippi's Republican Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce and a candidate for governor, echoed similar sentiments, vowing to ban Sharia law in Mississippi if elected. The Mississippi Legislature has already enacted statutes prohibiting the enforcement of foreign laws, including Sharia law, within the state. The U.S. Constitution's First Amendment also establishes the separation of church and state and protects religious freedom.
Legal experts have dismissed the accusations. Sahar Aziz, a professor of law specializing in Middle East Legal Studies at Rutgers University Law School, stated that the idea of a Muslim judge imposing Sharia law in the U.S. is "not relevant at all." Aziz explained that Sharia law is a complex legal system and that assuming a Muslim judge would violate the separation of church and state is unwarranted.
Benoit Mayor Linda Carter noted that Mississippi's state constitution prohibits religious tests for public office. Despite the backlash, Ali has emphasized her dedication to her duties. "My focus remains where it has always been: serving my community, upholding the Constitution, and faithfully performing the duties of the office I have been given," she said in a statement. She has also stepped away from social media due to the threats she has received, telling the Mississippi Free Press that the experience has been "really bad and it’s really sad" for an American citizen.
