Texas Muslim Development Sparks DOJ and State Officials’ Investigation: What You Need to Know

DALLAS, Texas — The proposed Muslim housing project called EPIC City in North Texas is under investigation. The Department of Justice is looking into claims of potential religious discrimination against the developers. Top state officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, have joined the inquiry, even though the project isn’t set to break ground for years.

EPIC, or the East Plano Islamic Center, is a major mosque in Plano, a suburb north of Dallas. As the Muslim population grows in the area, the mosque is facing space issues. To address this, a realtor in the community suggested building a new residential area nearby that would cater to the needs of this expanding population.

Many community members already live close to EPIC. The area features houses with Arabic lettering, halal grocery stores like EPIC Market, and even a Yemeni coffee shop. Fawzia Bilal, a resident, appreciates the proximity to the mosque. She finds it convenient for her daily prayers, allowing her to participate without battling traffic or long commutes. “It’s about convenience and being consistent with my faith,” she says.

As for the project itself, scholar Yasir Qadhi highlighted the urgent need for additional space, noting the mosque has a membership of over 10,000. EPIC City aims to include a new mosque, over 1,000 homes, a K-12 school, and other community facilities. The land for this development was purchased last year, covering 402 acres about 40 miles from Dallas. Initial plots sold out quickly, with many buyers eager to support the community’s growth.

However, investigations raise concerns. Governor Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are probing claims of discrimination and potential violations of Texas law. Although the project hasn’t filed for permits yet, Abbott has accused it of creating a “no-go zone” for non-Muslims, a claim that many community members find baseless. Qadhi assures that EPIC City will be open to all residents, regardless of their backgrounds.

Misunderstandings about Sharia Law and Islam have fueled some of the negativity around the project. Many online discussions reflect a mix of concern and misinformation. Mustafaa Carroll, director of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the Council of American Islamic Relations, emphasizes that Sharia is often misrepresented. He advocates for a better understanding of Islamic traditions, stating that practices can vary widely based on context.

Together with strong community support, Bilal hopes that understanding will prevail over negativity. She believes Plano’s residents largely support their activities, recognizing their contributions to society. “No matter how loud the voices of hatred are, hope and understanding will win,” she asserts.

As investigations continue, the EPIC community stands ready to cooperate. Some members worry that this scrutiny may slow down progress, but they remain hopeful about their future in North Texas. For further information, you can check the Department of Justice’s announcement.

Source link