American Muslim reformers are strongly condemning political commentator Wajahat Ali for his warning that "the fire will rise" and people will be "radicalized" if Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed loses his Michigan Senate bid. These reformers assert that Ali's language mirrors the "Jihad First" intimidation rhetoric previously used by religious leaders in the Middle East before elections.
Ali initially posted on X, "If, God forbid, Abdul loses, this will be a watershed moment in Democratic politics. The fire will rise. It’s over. People will be radicalized against corporate, pro-Israel Dems. There will be a reckoning. If, when, he wins, it will be a watershed moment. And that reckoning will still come." Following backlash, Ali defended his remarks, accusing critics of Islamophobia and anti-Arab bigotry.
A Fissure Among Muslims
Muslim reform leaders are not accepting Ali's rhetoric at face value. Dalia Ziada, an Egyptian Muslim reformer and critic of political Islamism, told Fox News Digital that Ali's statements before an election are reminiscent of tactics used by Islamists. "The threat is usually: If you don’t choose us, this will lead to radicalization, and this will lead to violence," Ziada said, noting she is the Washington, D.C., director at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy. "Maybe we need to expect troubles coming up."
Soraya Deen, a Muslim reform activist and attorney, also expressed deep concern. "His warning that ‘the fire will rise,’ that people will be ‘radicalized,’ and that a ‘reckoning’ is coming deserves serious scrutiny," Deen stated. "Losing an election is not a license for radicalization. We must reject intimidation, political extremism and the politics of perpetual grievance."
'Jihad First' Lens
Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a Muslim reformer and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, characterized Ali's comments as reflecting a "Jihad First" perspective on political conflict. "Wajahat Ali, like Abdul El-Sayed, proves yet again their decades of anti-American Islamist obsession and the ‘Jihad First’ lens through which they view every cultural, social, military and political conflict," Jasser remarked. He described the rhetoric as an "unmooring of their own dreams to live the jihad of Islamism and destroy the American dream and everything for which it stands."
El-Sayed’s Political Network
Ali's comments surfaced as El-Sayed's campaign has garnered support from a broad coalition including Muslim advocacy groups, Palestinian activist organizations, progressive groups, and labor organizations. A review by Fox News Digital identified approximately 70 Muslim groups and influencers supporting El-Sayed, including CAIR Action, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, Emgage Action, and Linda Sarsour's MPower Action.
This coalition also includes Democratic Party organizations, Democratic Socialists of America chapters, and figures such as Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Critics have referred to this coalition as a "red-green" alliance, combining left-wing political organizations with Muslim advocacy groups.
A Warning About Political Intimidation
For Ziada, the core issue with Ali's post is the implication that an election loss could lead to radicalization. She suggested that individuals like Ali are using the political movement supporting El-Sayed to gain power, and if unsuccessful, might resort to drastic measures. Ziada also criticized El-Sayed's campaign rhetoric regarding Israel, comparing it to tactics employed by Middle Eastern dictators to distract from domestic issues.
Jasser urged Muslim voters and Democratic leaders to scrutinize the language used by political influencers who claim to represent Muslim communities, stating that any honest Muslim would recognize the "Jihad First" sentiment in Ali's post.
Wajahat Ali has been a prominent media figure for over two decades, contributing to various outlets. His political activism intensified after the September 11, 2001, attacks, and he later worked with Faiz Shakir at the Center for American Progress. Ali has frequently commented on Israel, Democratic Party strategy, and Muslim political activism, often drawing criticism, including a recent instance where a speaker he hosted made a racially charged remark about House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries.