The battle lines were drawn pretty clearly between United States presidential candidate Donald Trump and Muslim American citizens ahead of the country’s Nov. 8, 2016, election day.
Throughout his “Make America Great Again” campaign, Trump’s words and the actions of his supporters at rallies across the nation left no uncertainty that Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims was a significant part of the Republican nominee’s platform.
In response, plenty of prominent Muslims inside the U.S. and out — from politicians to scholars, entertainers to athletes — took a strong public stance against Trump.
U.S. Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio, wrote on Twitter the day before the election: “Help #MakeAmericaGreatAgain! Trump wants Muslims to report, so let’s all report straight to the polls! Hate is no match for us.”
Help #MakeAmericaGreatAgain! Trump wants Muslims to report, so let's all report straight to the polls! Hate is no match for us #RocktheVote pic.twitter.com/9WjQlzyydA
— Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) November 7, 2016
After Trump pulled off a stunning — yet not surprising — victory on Nov. 8, Muslim sports figures (like everyone else) had some strong reactions to the news and what may be ahead for the next four to eight years under President-Elect Trump.
“He divided us, so he has to bring us back together,” said Isa Abdul-Quddus, a defensive back for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, in the Palm Beach Post.
“I don’t think he’s going to be able to do all the crazy stuff that he said he wants to do,” Abdul-Quddus said. “I think a lot of it was for getting votes. I don’t think he was actually trying to do a lot of those things. But just to hear those negative things about minorities and different religions isn’t what America stands for.”
Other reactions from around the sports world:
Dwayne Frampton (former college football player)
Sad day in USA
— FRAMPCAMP (@FrampCamp) November 9, 2016
Shahan Ahmed (sports reporter)
I have enough trouble staying positive on most days, but I always try…Today, I'll say that I appreciate that we have @VanJones68's voice.
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) November 9, 2016
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (former college basketball player)
I trust God. pic.twitter.com/cfmvYn4D5U
— Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (@Queen_Of_Sheeba) November 9, 2016
Asif Munaf (fitness trainer)
Globalisation is dead, and white supremacy has triumphedhttps://t.co/MwNJXmS7Hs
— Asif Munaf (@DrAs1f) November 9, 2016
Sami Zayn (WWE professional wrestler)
Horrible nightmare last night. It was so weird, I was in Germany but the U.S. was Germany now? But from like, 80 years ago? So weird? Scary.
— Sami Zayn (@iLikeSamiZayn) November 9, 2016
Qais Ashfaq (British pro boxer)
How did the USA ever put themselves in a position where they had to choose between "The Lesser Of 2 Evils" as the President! #MindBoggling 😐
— Qais Ashfaq (@Qais_Ashfaq) November 9, 2016
Khaled Abdallah (sports writer)
Like a high school student body race https://t.co/vhQJy5SH4l
— Khaled Abdallah (@khaled74) November 9, 2016
Enes Kanter (NBA player)
Mood!! pic.twitter.com/WAtoJYP4aP
— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) November 9, 2016
Hamza Abdullah (retired NFL player)
Fear Allah. Be a Muslim. Wear your Kuhfis and Hijab. Grow your beard. Protect yourself and your family and know that Allah is with you.
— Hamza Abdullah (@HamzaAbdullah21) November 9, 2016
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