‘JD, habibi.’ Arabs celebrate El-Sayed’s use of a term of affection in his victory speech
Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim American U.S. senator, is being celebrated by Arab communities for incorporating Arabic terms like 'habibi' into his victory speech. The speech is viewed as a defiant and joyful response to the Islamophobic rhetoric he faced during his campaign.
Why it matters
El-Sayed's political success and cultural expression mark a shift in the American political lexicon and the representation of Muslim Americans in government.
BEIRUT: From Michigan to the Middle East, Arabs are celebrating Abdul El-Sayed’s election win and delighting in his introduction of Arabic terms like “habibi” and “inshallah” to the American political lexicon.
After being the target of Islamophobic rhetoric on the campaign trail, the rising political star who will be the first Muslim American US senator has mocked his critics on the right while championing the Palestinian cause and leaning into his faith and Egyptian heritage.
“JD, habibi,” El-Sayed said in his victory speech, addressing US Vice President JD Vance, who had warned that the candidate would lead rioters in burning down Detroit. “There is this delicious irony in the fact that you’re constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January.”
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