Unpacking the Far-Right Campaign Against Abdul El-Sayed: How 'Inshallah' Became a Tool for Hate

Abdul El-Sayed's historic Senate primary win in Michigan was met with a coordinated digital smear campaign, where the phrase 'inshallah' was stripped of its ordinary context and presented as evidence of a sinister political and religious takeover of the country. The campaign, led by right-wing influencers and amplified by pro-Israel groups, sought to reframe El-Sayed's electoral win as a threat to American values. However, experts argue that this campaign is a prime example of Islamophobia and the manipulation of language to serve a specific agenda.

As an Egyptian-American doctor, El-Sayed's election win was seen as a setback for pro-Israel lobbying groups such as AIPAC. The attacks began with accounts clipping the phrase 'inshallah' from El-Sayed's election night speech, where he expressed hope that his win would prove that money alone does not decide elections in the US. However, this phrase was stripped of its ordinary context and presented as evidence of a sinister plot. In reality, 'inshallah' is a common expression of hope used by Arabic speakers, and its use in El-Sayed's speech was a nod to his heritage and community.

The campaign quickly escalated into baseless claims that 'Sharia is coming to America' and Michigan was being 'invaded.' The city of Hamtramck, where 25 percent of its 28,000 residents are Arab Muslims, was targeted as an 'occupied city' facing a demographic invasion due to immigration and mosque expansions. These claims are deeply rooted in a far-right narrative that seeks to conflate Islam with terrorism and portray Muslims as a threat to American values.

Right-wing influencer Benny Johnson led the trend, posting a clip that gathered more than 193,000 views with the caption: 'Muslim Socialist Candidate for Senate in Michigan Abdul El-Sayed says 'inshallah' during his speech on election night.' Similarly, the account ALX framed the speech as a suspicious act in a post that drew more than 80,000 views. These posts were quickly amplified by other right-wing accounts, including End Wokeness, which portrayed El-Sayed as a threat by sharing an out-of-context clip of him saying: 'When they go low, we don't go high. We take them to the mud and choke them out.'

This quote, however, was from an August 2025 event where El-Sayed was subverting former first lady Michelle Obama's famous phrase to critique political attacks by President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) base. The rhetoric quickly escalated into baseless claims that 'Sharia is coming to America' and Michigan was being 'invaded.' The far-right narrative was amplified by political figures and pro-Israel organizations, including Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who urged voters to find out 'who is behind' El-Sayed. Democratic leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin, praised El-Sayed's dedication to working families and his willingness to tackle corporate influence in politics.

As the campaign continues, liberal commentator Brian Krassenstein predicted that El-Sayed will remain a constant target of the MAGA movement and face repeated smears of being a 'terrorist' and 'communist.' El-Sayed has directly addressed accusations of anti-Semitism, emphasizing his commitment to the safety of Jewish Americans, and has focused on equality, saying that all Americans deserve quality education, healthcare, and decent jobs regardless of their origin, skin color, or how they pray.

The smear campaign against El-Sayed is a prime example of Islamophobia and the manipulation of language to serve a specific agenda. The use of 'inshallah' as a tool for hate is a clear indication of the far-right's willingness to exploit and distort language to demonize Muslims and portray them as a threat to American values. As the midterm elections approach, it is essential to scrutinize these campaigns and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Abdul El-Sayed's commitment to equality and his dedication to working families are values that should be celebrated, not vilified. As he continues to face these attacks, his message of hope and inclusivity remains a beacon of light in a sea of hate and division. It is up to us to stand against these hate campaigns and support candidates like El-Sayed, who embody the values of equality, justice, and compassion that our country was founded upon.

The outcome of this election has massive implications for US politics, where Islamophobic narratives have been gaining traction. The Republican Party's willingness to amplify these narratives and use them to demonize Muslim candidates poses a significant threat to the democratic process. It is essential to recognize these efforts for what they are – attempts to disenfranchise and marginalize Muslim Americans. By supporting candidates like El-Sayed and countering these hate campaigns, we can ensure that the values of equality, justice, and compassion continue to shape our country's politics.

Looking ahead, it is essential to continue monitoring these hate campaigns and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The midterm elections will be a critical moment to test the Republican Party's willingness to engage with hate and division. As a society, we must stand against these campaigns and work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone can participate and thrive. The fight for equality and justice is far from over, and it demands our continued attention and activism.

Ultimately, the smear campaign against Abdul El-Sayed serves as a stark reminder of the hate and division that lurk beneath the surface of American politics. It is our collective responsibility to recognize these efforts, stand against them, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all. As we head into the midterm elections, let us be vigilant and committed to defending our values of equality, justice, and compassion.