In light of the escalating debate around immigration policies in the United States, New York Mayor Zahran Mamdhani has stepped forward to advocate for a decree that restricts the arrests made by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). He has pointed to the values derived from the prophetic migration narrative as foundational to his message of protecting migrants. In his remarks, Mamdhani emphasized that the story of migration fundamentally illustrates that the Prophet Muhammad was once an outsider who left Mecca and was welcomed in Medina, drawing parallels to the current challenges faced by migrants today.

Mamdhani further articulated that this historical narrative serves as a moral compass for contemporary policies, urging authorities to prioritize the human aspect over bureaucratic measures. He cited a verse from Surah An-Nahl in the Quran, emphasizing the virtuous outcome for those who migrate in the name of Allah after being wronged. Concluding his speech, he referenced a hadith by the Prophet Muhammad about the initial strangeness of Islam, highlighting an enduring message that resonates with present-day societal dynamics and challenges regarding migration policies.

The mayor's statements calling for compassion and humane practices in municipal governance suggest a broader call for an institutional mindset shift that prioritizes empathy, protection, and inclusion for migrants and outsiders. As the immigration discourse continues to evolve in the U.S., Mamdhani's framing of these issues through a religious and moral lens could influence local public policy and community attitudes towards immigrants, advocating for an environment that supports and integrates rather than alienates and restricts.