The Thinking Youth Good Muslim, Bad Muslim, Zohran Mamdani
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Dec 24, 2025 Hadeeqa Malik, a committed Muslim student and activist, discusses her suspension from CUNY after confronting a Muslim NYPD officer at a pro-Palestine protest. She examines the labels of 'good' and 'bad' Muslims in political discourse and questions who defines Islamophobia. Hadeeqa reflects on the significance of Muslim names and the community's response to her viral moment. She debates the implications of Zohran Mamdani's election for Muslim representation and outlines demands for accountability from Muslim officials in politics.
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Muslim Officer Confrontation That Went Viral
- Hadeeqa Malik recounts a protest where a Muslim NYPD officer named Rafid threatened a sister with a baton while policing pro-Palestine demonstrators.
- The moment became a viral example of perceived betrayal by Muslims working for repressive institutions and led to CUNY labeling Malik Islamophobic and suspending her.
Secularized Islamophobia Silences Dissent
- Malik argues the definition of Islamophobia is shifting from overt attacks to subtle secularized forms that sideline Muslim political critique.
- She warns that celebrating 'good Muslims' who align with establishment power can isolate and delegitimize dissenting Muslims.
Representation Isn’t Automatic Solidarity
- Malik feels Zohran Mamdani's campaign energized many Muslims but also sometimes sidelined explicit pro-Palestine rhetoric.
- She says representation alone isn't enough; political proximity doesn't guarantee solidarity without accountability.
