Imam’s Bold Statements Against U.S. Authorities

The religious leader of the Muslim American Society’s New York Youth Center has openly declared his intention to defy U.S. authorities. Imam Mohammad Badawi, a prominent figure in Brooklyn, asserted during a sermon last Friday that it is his “life’s mission” as a Muslim to resist the U.S. government, military, and immigration enforcement “to the last breath.”

His comments, which were broadcasted live on the group’s YouTube channel, quickly spread across various platforms over the weekend. In the first part of his speech, Badawi delivered a wide-ranging critique of powerful nations, painting them as entities driven by military strength, immense wealth, and a sense of superiority. However, he soon shifted to a more confrontational tone, referencing specific American institutions and expressing a complete lack of fear regarding their power.

“As a Muslim, my reaction to all this is to do the worst. I am not afraid, because even if this body breaks down, the spirit within it cannot be reached and it will continue,” he stated, claiming that divine intervention would take care of oppressors.

“I’m not afraid of the US government. I’m not afraid of the US military. I’m not afraid of ICE,” he reiterated, underscoring his lack of fear for what he perceives as oppressive forces.

Continuing, Badawi emphasized his lifelong dedication to active resistance. He declared, “Not only am I not afraid, but it is my life’s mission to face all of the above until I die.” He spoke passionately about dedicating all his energy to combat what he termed oppression and injustice.

He affirmed that the purpose of his existence hinges on this fight, mentioning that whether or not he lives to see changes is “irrelevant,” as he believes that God has the ultimate plan for those in power.

Describing his stance as rooted in religious faith, Badawi referenced the Prophet Muhammad’s example of standing up against powerful authorities without arms, emphasizing that spiritual beliefs cannot be dismantled by physical harm.

His sermon, which explicitly named various American institutions and vowed to “fight” against them, occurred amid a backdrop of increased focus on Islamic extremism in the country. Recently, a cleric in Florida made headlines for suggesting that America deserved severe divine punishment, yet was spared for the sake of devout Muslims living there.

Furthermore, Badawi’s remarks included harsh criticism of President Trump, whom he labeled as “human trash,” and he made other derogatory comments about various political figures.

Working as a youth leader for the Muslim American Society, Badawi’s organization has been discussed in a new book that describes it as connected to the Muslim Brotherhood and emphasizes a rejection of assimilation. Instead, the narrative promoted by such organizations views migration as a religious and strategic imperative, aimed at expanding influence and confronting authority from within. This perspective leads to the idea that resisting U.S. institutions is a duty, a trend increasing within mosques and youth centers across the country.