Arabic used in El-Sayed's speech
The gist
Abdul El-Sayed was projected to win Michigan's U.S. Senate race, the first Muslim elected to the Senate.
His Arabic phrases drew celebration from Arabs across Michigan and the Middle East.
How it unfolded
- Nov 4, 2026Abdul El-Sayed was projected to win Michigan's U.S. Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. In his victory speech he used "Inshallah" ("God willing") and "Alhamdulillah" ("praise be to God").
- Nov 4, 2026El-Sayed said he always said "Inshallah" whenever the outcome of the race was mentioned, and that "tonight, we can turn that Inshallah into a hammer in law." He also addressed Vice President JD Vance with "JD, habibi," joking about the constitutional obligation to swear him in.
- Nov 6, 2026Arabs from Michigan to the Middle East celebrated the win and his use of terms like "habibi" and "inshallah," with many posting music video clips featuring "habibi" to social media.
Key terms
- Islamophobic
- Prejudiced against Islam or Muslims, involving irrational fear, hostility, or hatred.
- Palestinian cause
- The national movement for Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty over Palestine.
Source: Wikipedia