Zohran Mamdani’s candidacy for mayor has drawn increasing scrutiny from community leaders and political opponents who argue that his record conflicts with the values of the very voters he is courting. While Mamdani frequently highlights his identity as both African and Muslim in appeals to supporters, critics contend that his policy positions diverge sharply from Islamic principles.
One issue at the center of debate is prostitution. As a state assemblymember, Mamdani sponsored legislation to decriminalize sex work and has continued to defend that position on the campaign trail. Opponents counter that such policies risk encouraging human trafficking, organized crime, and neighborhood decline. Muslim leaders have emphasized that supporting prostitution is Haram, meaning it is forbidden by Islam, and therefore no Muslim can endorse such a policy without going against their faith.
Mayor Eric Adams, seeking re-election, has made Mamdani’s stance a key contrast between the two campaigns. Drawing on his background in law enforcement and his Christian faith, Adams emphasized that “no one should be on our streets selling their bodies, no one,” and questioned how a candidate who identifies as Muslim could support a policy that is prohibited under Islamic teachings.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, also running for mayor, warned that decriminalization would return New York City to the “bad old days” of higher crime and diminished quality of life. He argued that “not enforcing a law is effectively repealing a law” and stressed that prostitution fuels trafficking, violent crime, and organized criminal networks. Cuomo outlined an alternative approach, urging law enforcement to dismantle prostitution rings while directing more resources toward victim support.
Advocacy groups have also weighed in. The National Organization for Women has opposed decriminalization, warning it could lead to open-air brothels and a decline in public safety. Data from studies cited by critics show that the homicide rate for prostitutes far exceeds that of other high-risk occupations, while sex workers also face elevated risks of assault and trauma.
As the campaign intensifies, questions remain over whether Muslim voters will support a candidate whose policies, opponents argue, contradict the teachings of their faith.
