It’s the hate directed toward Islam that has motivated so many to enter the political arena.

By Wajahat Ali
Contributing Opinion Writer
Oct. 30, 2018

For some Americans — those who support a travel ban, a wall along the Mexican border and increased restrictions on refugees, all while holding on to the ridiculous belief that the world’s 1.8 billion Muslim hate America, despite the fact that it’s home to nearly 3.5 million of us — that statement probably inspires fear.

But it’s true: Nearly 100 Muslim political hopefuls have filed to run for elected office this year. Only a dozen or so ran in 2016.
In July, The Associated Press interviewed Muslim candidates about this record number. The reporting revealed that it’s precisely the bigotry and hate that has been directed toward Islam — including in remarks and tweets by President Trump — that has motivated so many Muslims to enter the political arena, where they now stand poised to advance policies that directly reflect their faith and also benefit all of their constituents

SOURCE

Rashida Tlaib of Michigan is among many Muslim candidates on the midterm ballots.
Credit

Anthony Lanzilote for The New York Times