As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the River Oaks Islamic Center, a group of Muslims gathered for their evening prayers. Among them was Aalia Qazi, a young woman who has been a member of the center for years. This upcoming election will be her second time voting for a president, and she is feeling conflicted about her choices.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has weighed heavily on Qazi’s mind, leading her to consider voting for a third-party candidate, Jill Stein of the Green Party. A recent poll by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) found that many Muslim Americans are also considering supporting Stein, with a third of respondents indicating their intention to vote for her. Another third are leaning towards Vice President Kamala Harris, while 10% are backing former President Donald Trump.
The Muslim community in Houston, home to the state’s largest population of Muslims, is feeling the impact of the Gaza war on their voting decisions. Will White, the director of CAIR’s Houston chapter, estimates that nearly half a million Muslims live in the Houston area, making their opinions a significant indicator of the broader Muslim sentiment in the country.
Faith is playing a central role in the Muslim community’s shift away from traditional Democratic support, with many citing concerns about civil and human rights. Emgage Action, an organization focused on encouraging Muslim Americans to vote, has seen increased interest in political engagement among Muslims, with a particular focus on issues related to peace, discrimination, and human rights.
The war in Gaza has become a pivotal issue for many Muslim voters, with some expressing a reluctance to support candidates who do not condemn the violence. For individuals like Shayan Sajid, a volunteer at the Maryam Islamic Center in Sugar Land, the genocide in Gaza is a primary concern that will influence his voting decision.
While Harris has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, Stein’s characterization of the conflict as a genocide has resonated with many Muslim voters. Other key issues important to Muslim voters, such as healthcare, immigration, and gun violence prevention, may align with mainstream Democratic positions, but the war in Gaza remains a non-negotiable issue for some.
As Election Day approaches, Muslim voters like Qazi, Sajid, and White are grappling with the decision of who to support. While they may not have made their final choices yet, their votes could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election. White emphasizes the importance of Muslim Americans exercising their right to vote, regardless of their political affiliations, in order to have their voices heard on issues that matter to them.
With the election just around the corner, the Muslim community in Houston and beyond is navigating complex political terrain, driven by their faith, values, and concerns about global conflicts like the one in Gaza. The outcome of the election may well hinge on the decisions made by voters like Qazi, Sajid, and White, as they seek to make their voices heard in a tumultuous political landscape.