Mississippi's first Muslim judge vows to uphold Constitution amid backlash

Ali and Carter recently visited the International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson for "Harmony Talks," a community session designed to give residents an opportunity to learn about the judge, her goals, and the museum's mission.

Carter said Ali’s legal background and qualifications were the primary factors in her selection.

“Her qualifications is what stood out to us,” Carter said. “She was qualified to be the judge with her background and her background as an attorney.”

Pam Confer, creator of Harmony Talks, said the gathering was designed to give people a place to have conversations across cultural and religious differences. She said Ali’s appointment provided a real-life example of how fear and misunderstanding can shape reactions to people from different backgrounds. Confer said the goal was not simply to discuss those differences, but to help participants determine how they can respond in their own communities.

“We all are Benoit. All of us are the least of us,” Confer said. “We are responsible for Judge Ali and making sure that she can exist in a positive environment. We all deserve that.”

Okolo Rashid, co-founder and president emerita of the International Museum of Muslim Cultures, said the event was an opportunity for the museum to publicly support Ali, who previously served on the museum’s board. Rashid said the museum also wants to create opportunities for people to learn about Muslim culture and have conversations that can build understanding. 

“We have enough problems that we don't need to be finding fault in each other if there's opportunity for us to work together,” Rashid said.

The appointment drew attention beyond Benoit, a town of over 300 residents. Carter said she did not expect the national reaction that followed the announcement and said the town continues to stand behind its decision.

“We still stand on our decision to have Judge Ali as a judge for the town of Benoit,” Carter said.

Ali said she plans to approach the position by following her oath and applying the law equally.

“I’m only going to spread love, I’m not going to respond to hate with hate,” Ali said. “I want to remain positive and I’m here to serve as an American-born citizen.”

Ali said she wants people to judge her based on her character and conduct as a judge rather than her religion or political views.

“Once I take that robe, I don’t want others to think that I’m going to judge individuals for their backgrounds or based on their political opinion,” she said. “I’m just going to serve and judge everyone accordingly and enforce the U.S. Constitution.”

Concerns over whether Sharia law could influence Ali’s work have been part of the backlash surrounding her appointment. Ali pointed to comments from Andy Gibson, an acquaintance and colleague, who recently acknowledged that Sharia law cannot be enforced in U.S. courts.

“He did come to my defense this past weekend and he indicated that Sharia law has never been enforced in the courts and it can't be enforced in the courts,” said Ali. “I think for anyone that has fears that Sharia law will be enforced by the courts, I think Mr. or Commissioner Gibson has now put that away and I don't think that's going to be an issue anymore.”

Ali encouraged Mississippi residents to address their concerns to her directly and engage in open dialogue.

“A lot of people are afraid, and fear can sometimes overshadow the reality,” Ali said. “So I want individuals to really see the truth.”

Her appointment has also prompted broader discussions about Islam, diversity, and representation across the state.

Mohammad Basar, a law clerk for Ali who has worked with her for more than three years, said Ali’s appointment demonstrates that people from different backgrounds can seek public positions when they are qualified.

Basar said he believes greater understanding of Islam could reduce some of the fears surrounding Ali’s appointment.

Anissa Villanueva of Canton attended a gathering centered on Ali and said she supports the judge because of her work and advocacy for immigrants.

“I want everyone to judge her based on her qualifications and not what they think she is,” Villanueva said.

Carter said she hopes the experience also brings attention to Benoit, which she said is working to attract residents, businesses and investment.

As for Ali, the timing of her start date remains uncertain. She said the city and she have received threats, leading officials to repeatedly delay her start.

Despite the uncertainty, Ali said she remains prepared to serve.

“I carry my oath as a judge, as an attorney, with complete pride,” she said. “I’m here to serve and I’m ready to serve.”