El-Sayed to Speak at Convention with Cleric Accused of Extremism

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed is scheduled to speak at the Islamic Society of North America's (ISNA) annual convention in Detroit from September 4-7.

The convention roster includes Tariq Masood, a Pakistani cleric who has reportedly urged followers to marry off young female relatives, citing his own niece's marriage at 13. Masood has also been reported to have preached against Jews, with translations reviewed by The Washington Free Beacon stating he said Jews' cunning minds had worked to bring the world under their control and that the Quran condemns Jews.

ISNA was named an unindicted co-conspirator in a 2007 federal prosecution, and a judge ruled in 2009 that the government presented ample evidence tying the group to Hamas. El-Sayed's campaign stated that the Democrat does not endorse anyone speaking at the conference and is not affiliated with other participants. The poll of 1,006 Michigan voters from Aug. 6-10 indicated 54% of voters are extremely or very concerned El-Sayed's positions are too extreme, while 51% said Rogers is too close to former President Donald Trump. Rogers holds an edge among independent voters, 48%-43%.