Imam to Muslims at Minnesota mosque: ‘We are their replacement’

An imam told worshippers at a Twin Cities mosque that Muslims are the “replacement” for those who once held positions of privilege in America, declaring during a sermon that “this is our moment.”

Imam Abdul Malik delivered the remarks on Jan. 23 at the Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington, where he urged Muslims in Minnesota to seek positions of influence across American institutions — including mayor, police chief, congressional leadership and even the presidency.

“Those that are in opposition to Islam, they’re watching the growth and the development of the Muslim community, and it scares them. You know why? Not because you’re a threat. No,” Malik said in a sermon that has been going viral on social media this week. “They think you’re about to replace those of privilege of the days of old. They see the Muslims as their replacement. And to be honest with you, we are their replacement.”

STOP what you’re doing and WATCH this – Imam Abdul Malik, stoking terror in Minnesota:

“Americans are right to be scared that Muslims are here to replace them. We are the new kids on the block, this is our moment. They should be scared.”

We’re just gonna leave that right… pic.twitter.com/RQUES6rWt6

— Blue Lives Matter (@bluelivesmtr) March 10, 2026

Imam points to Zohran Mamdani as prime example of growing Muslim political influence

The imam, who is from New York, also referenced political changes he said demonstrate growing Muslim influence in American life.

“We just elected a Muslim to be the mayor of New York,” Malik said of Zohran Mamdani. “That’s the home of 9/11.”

A viral video posted to X Wednesday shows an Iftar dinner inside Mamdani’s office at New York City Hall. In the footage, men kneel and bow in prayer on a large patterned carpet.

It comes days after two ISIS supporters allegedly attempted to bomb anti-Muslim protesters outside Mamdani’s residence.

NY City Hall under Mamdani. Not AI. pic.twitter.com/JEWfnB4co2

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 12, 2026

Imam urges Minnesota Muslims to spread the teachings of Islam: ‘This is our moment’

Malik urged Muslims in Minnesota to actively share their faith with the broader public.

“Now that the people of America are standing for you, will you share with them the light and the beauty and the majesty of Islam?” Malik said. “Or will you stay in hiding?”

The comments came as part of a broader message encouraging Muslims to pursue leadership positions and public office while spreading the teachings of Islam in Minnesota and across the country.

“Tell the young people to continue to study, to prepare themselves, to become the doctors, the lawyers, the engineers, to become the mayor, the police chief, the leaders of Congress,” Malik said. “And those that were born in America, prepare yourself to be America’s next president.”

“We are, as they would say, the new kids on the block. And this is our moment.”

Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center is a mosque and community center located in Bloomington that serves a large Muslim community in the Twin Cities.

Jenna Gloeb

Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.