Muslim community development sparks debate in Texas
Led by members of East Plano Islamic Center, one of North Texas' largest mosques, the project will span more than 400 acres and include a central mosque, housing, schools, clinics, stores, parks and a nursing home. The development aims to create a self-sustaining community for local Muslims.
Critics argue that it will impose strict Shariah-based laws on Texas and promote a radical form of Islam, though advocates say these claims are simply fearmongering.
Abbott weighed in on the matter, writing on X, 'Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities,' while reinforcing existing legislation that prohibits the application of foreign legal codes in Texas courts.
His comments have fueled debates and social media posts calling for the shutdown of the development.
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EPIC City organizers say they have received hateful or misinformed messages in their inboxes and on social media.
For example, Abbott reposted a post describing the community as a 'Sharia enclave' and claiming the U.S. government is subsidizing it.
Supporters of the project argue it is simply a housing community designed to meet the needs of its residents.
Legal analyst and trial lawyer Mercedes Colwyn suggests talk of Shariah-based law is simply fearmongering.
'Frankly, it probably is just an overreaction of what people perceived EPIC City to stand for,' she said. 'That just really fits in that category of misconceptions about Muslim faith and Muslim individuals, and frankly it could be just trying to stir up controversy where no controversy exists.'
The initial language on EPIC's website sparked confusion, suggesting that sales may be limited to Muslims, but officials clarified the issue, telling the Dallas Morning News that no blanket bans will be enforced and only state and federal laws apply.
EPIC City developers said they're committed to complying with the Fair Housing Act and following state and federal laws, opening the community to anyone regardless of background.
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The project's leadership has vowed to keep neighbors informed and to address infrastructure concerns. Some residents have noted that property values have increased since the project's announcement.
Shariah, often misunderstood, is the legal system that governs aspects of daily life for Muslims, including prayer, fasting, marriage, divorce and business transactions.
It is based on the teachings of the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad, and it aims to guide Muslims toward living moral lives and drawing closer to God.
Shariah means 'the correct path' in Arabic. In Islam, it refers to the divine counsel that Muslims follow to live moral lives and grow close to God.
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