Fresh from an eight-hour flight from the UK to Washington, DC, Humza Yousaf, the former First Minister of Scotland, greeted a small gathering of Muslim community members with a clever twist on the Eid greeting, using the name of New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani. The phrase, ‘Zohran Mubarak,’ drew cheers and applause, setting the tone for a visit that was about much more than celebration. Yousaf, the first Muslim to lead a Western nation, was there to listen, offer guidance, and foster connections. ‘You are not guests of the west. You are building the west,’ he declared, emphasizing the integral role of Muslim Americans in shaping the nation. Yousaf, who has faced his share of institutionalized bullying and threats, urged the community to remain resilient against the rising tide of far-right extremism. Drawing from his own experiences, he warned that the challenges for Mamdani, the newly elected mayor, would only intensify. ‘When I was first minister, the death threats we received were so credible, we had to have additional security for our family,’ he shared with Middle East Eye. Yousaf’s US tour, spanning Washington, DC, Chicago, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, aims to build ‘support networks’ and mentor the next generation of Muslim leaders. With two decades of political experience, Yousaf hopes to use his platform to empower Muslims in public service. ‘We have the scars from that, metaphorically speaking. And therefore, I think we’re able to advise others who are thinking of going into politics,’ he said. Yousaf, who served as First Minister of Scotland during the early months of Israel’s conflict in Gaza, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. His wife, Nadia el-Nakla, is of Palestinian heritage, and her family’s ordeal in Gaza has deeply impacted him. ‘It’s incumbent on us that we build a transatlantic alliance to tackle anti-Muslim hatred,’ Yousaf asserted, highlighting the need for a united front against Islamophobia. He criticized figures like Elon Musk and far-right extremists for perpetuating anti-Muslim rhetoric and called for stronger social media regulation. Despite the challenges, Yousaf remains committed to the fight for democracy and equality. ‘If we all leave, then who’s here to fight?’ he asked, emphasizing the importance of standing firm against forces that seek to marginalize Muslims. Yousaf’s message is clear: the Muslim community must continue to lead and inspire, proving that victory is possible, as demonstrated by Mamdani’s historic election win.
After Mamdani’s win, this is what another history-making Muslim leader wants you to know
