Yasir Qadhi

Reflections on Mamdani's Book_ Good Muslim, Bad Muslim

7 snips
Jul 7, 2025
A former professor discusses the impact of his course on Jihad and identity, linking it to Mahmood Mamdani's influential book. The significance of 'Good Muslim, Bad Muslim' is examined, especially regarding Islamophobia and its political ramifications. Personal stories of a Harvard PhD graduate expelled from Uganda illustrate broader academic challenges post-9/11. The podcast critiques simplistic narratives about terrorism, urging historical context for understanding Muslim identity, and emphasizes embracing diverse perspectives within the community.
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ANECDOTE

Personal Connection to Mamdani

  • Yasir Qadhi discovered the author Mahmood Mamdani was the father of a Muslim running for mayor.
  • He used Mamdani's book as a key academic resource when teaching about jihad and fundamentalism.
INSIGHT

The Real Roots of Terrorism Revealed by Mamdani

Mahmood Mamdani's seminal book Good Muslim, Bad Muslim argues that terrorism is not rooted in Islam or the Quran, but in modern political realities, particularly the Cold War and Western interventions. He explains how U.S. support for Afghan Mujahideen during the Cold War weaponized religious violence for geopolitical aims without foresight, leading to the creation of groups like Al-Qaeda. Mamdani emphasizes the hypocrisy where violence by Western powers is seen as strategic necessity, while similar violence by others is simplistically blamed on religion.

He states, "Radical Islam... was raised in Washington and Islamabad, not in Mecca and Medina," highlighting a political origin rather than a cultural one. The book calls for addressing terrorism through political solutions focused on acknowledging historical grievances and supporting stability, rather than military force or stereotyping Muslims as inherently violent. This nuanced context challenges black-and-white narratives and urges a deeper, mature understanding of global conflicts involving Muslims.

INSIGHT

Violence Roots in Politics Not Religion

  • Mamdani argues 9-11 and similar violence stem from political causes, not the Quran.
  • Simplistic culture talk falsely blames Islam and stereotypes Muslims.
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