Sharia Law Zone? Texas Resists Planned Islamic Community

JaLynn R. Prince

God is the creator of all of us. We don't need to fear others because we are too fearful to learn that others are trying in their own way to be connected to the Devine. In traveling to over 72 countries and photographing the work of NGO's around the world I see we have much more in common that what divides us. At the heart of the major religous traditions there is a desire to be charatable, kind and to look out for others. I would challenge the Governor to join in on breaking the Fast with Muslems during Ramadan, celebrate Thanks Giving with additional people around the table. Let understanding and knowledge do away with fear where none should exist. Lets also look at what others are fearing about America and the implied distrespect we are showing. We need to remove the mote in our own eye. Coming together in compassion would do alot in that department.

Tyra Jayde Anderson

I believe there is only one God, one Divine, that all people worship. Different Religions have different names, i.e. God and Buddah, and have different ways to worship. I have to admit, I had to look up Sharia Law. What I found was that means following the Right Path, moral path, that includes prayer, fasting and donations to the poor. I find nothing here to be afraid of, but to appreciate. What I'm hearing, and reading, is some "Traditional Christians" are afraid the Muslim Cities will "lock non-Muslims out". Kinda like these "Christians" lock anyone else out that doesn't believe exactly as they do, to the point of enactling unjust laws to make women follow their beliefs. The only way they can gather the public support is to assign "violence and crime" to the Muslims and their Cities. Newsflash! There is cime and criminals in all religions. These criminals take on all shapes and form of crime. Seems to me there is some hypocricy and projection on Gov Abbott's reaction (not response!). As a Unitarian Universalist, I believe in all people and all religions to worship the Faith. I also believe we can learn from these other people and other Faith. After all, we all worship the same Divine!!! If we had more people in this country look at the World, and it's people, in this way maybe, just maybe, we would have a more peaceful world. At the very least, a more peaceful country, USA.

John Alex Paxson

America has its own laws... and as for the Muslim community, it just divides us more because we are supposed to be an integrated society, not a country of separated religious, racial, and ideological communities.

David Buck

Islam is not only a religion, it is also a legal and political system. So long as they continue to obey the laws of the US and the State of Texas as far as I am concerned, they are welcome to congregate and worship as they choose.

Sadly though, there is a history of such communities where, once established, the zealots amongst them tend to seek to expand the influence of Islam. For example, there are areas in UK cities where groups of what can only be described as 'religious thugs', harass and sometimes assault women they consider are not sufficiently modestly dressed. Unfortunately, officials in the UK do not seem to have the backbone to arrest and prosecute these criminals for their illegal activities. Though there is no mention of it at present, the evidence of other similar communities, particularly in the UK, would tend to suggest that over time there may be attempts to impose their own community standards on others.

However, innocent until proven guilty. I say let them go ahead and in future if they attempt to enforce Sharia law or 'no-go' areas, then move to prosecute those responsible.

Dan Anderson

Ignorance of Islam is causing massive problems in the world. People are taking the actions of a few radicalists and make them the beliefs of the mainstream. Nothing could be further from the truth, unless you believe that Christianity is a religion of hate-mongers and racists because the Ku Klux Klan demand they are Christian.

Bridget Kielas-Fecyk

You know, it's pretty telling how much absolute HATE and bigotry is being spread in the comments. Not to mention a ton of outright lies and misinformation that is being pushed to try to justify the hatred.

It's sad.

If the town in question were a Christian or Catholic based, they'd not say a word. Even if it were Orthodox hardliners who wished to "iron fist" it. Same if it were a Jewish community.

But because it's Islamic, the absolute hatred and bigotry is being screamed from the rooftops.

Of course they'd be screaming the same hatred, and spewing the same, frankly disgusting, lies if it were a Buddhist community or a Pagan town being built, too. For some, maybe not as hardcore, but bad enough.

They have the same mentalities as the people who organized, and participated in the 1921 destruction of Black Wall Street, also known as the Tulsa race massacre. They're the same mindsets that committed the 1920's Ocoee and Rosewood Massacres. If you don't know what those are, look them up.

And the SAME horrific lies were spewed about people in those areas that are being spewed, now, about a Muslim-based township being built. And, if the Texas governor and the people I see here have their way, they'll likely commit the same crimes against the peaceful civilians trying to live in that town, that the ones that attacked Tulsa, Ocoee, and Rosewood townships did.

Dr. Zerpersande, NSC

The Xtians are making efforts to have a xtian version of the nonsense.

Gerald Timothy Daniel

The kind and caring of Islam and Muslims is a total sham. Islam and Muslims hate Westerners, yet they want to come here and then turn America (countries are the people not the land) into another Mid-Eastern pos country. If we keep allowing illegals to come into America and the open to other unchecked, unlimited number of other foreigners, America is less than 50 years from a complete take offer. Just look at history to see how the land was taken from the Native Americans. Now instead of Europeans taking over from the Indians, it’s Hispanics, Middle Eastern Muslims, India Indians, and African Muslims, ie, Somalians are slowly pushing the Europeans out. It’s only a matter of time until America (the people, not the land) will cease to exist. We need to take America back before it’s too late. Stopping this city from being built is just one way toward doing that. If the Muslim want a Muslim community, let them return to their home countries for that. May our true God bless America.

Hugh Williamson Musser

The United States Constitution calls for separation of church and state. We are neither a Christian, Muslim, Buddhism or any other religion nation. I fully support everyone's right to practice their own religion except in cases when it steps on the individual rights of others. Sharia and or Christian law is not part of our Constitution.

Bridget Kielas-Fecyk

If they were proposing a purely CHRISTIAN city, where people were called to pray every sunday and wednesday, and they had Christian cathedrals, and so forth, Abbot and the rest would be partying. But because it's Islamic it's "evil?"

1st amendment means FREEDOM OF RELIGION. That includes ALL Religions, not just the one Abbot and his cohorts claim to follow.

I see nothing wrong with having this Islamic community. As long as they are there in peace there is no harm there.

Daniel Todd Kamm

Governor Abbot continues in his efforts to become a lower form of life after he passes to the next....

"To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas."

No one is talking about Sharia becoming the law. If Muslims who follow Sharia wanted to follow Sharia, they would not be in the USA.

"Nor are Sharia cities."

What the heck is a "Sharia" city?

No one said anything about a "city," people sometimes just a neighborhood where they can live and build their families' lives where they feel comfortable, able to be themselves, live in accordance with their own beliefs: maybe have housing within walking distance of a place of worship, schools they need or markets that carry items needed by the observant, or non observant such as certified Halal meat, etc. Or for that matter a Hershey bar.

Goodness knows no one is questioning similar "christian" enclaves (reference my previous re: AZ PUBLIC school district catering to Church of LDS).

"Nor are “no go zones“ which this project seems to imply."

The ONLY "no go zones" are in Texas are where Gov. Abbot has continued to pervert the US Constitution, oppress minorities of all kinds, separate immigrant children from parents (for what PERPoses?) and send adult immigrants by bus and plane to states he is trying to undermine ... and he is so nuts he doesn't even have a role in the new T'Rump administration...

"The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas."

I would like to see the video in which Mr. Abbot appeared as a "Texan." I suspect it was the one where the actor was credited as "A-Butt." And there are only two uses for one of those that I am aware of... 3 if I include a colonoscopy.

If you want to build a neighborhood of your own, where you have what you need, and can live and raise your families with support... as long as we are all part of one great fabric and allow one another the rights and expressions inherent in community: diversity, equity,and inclusiveness... I am happy to visit my friends, buy my herbs and spices and other needs there... for Pete's sake what is the problem with these old slave states? Because that is where the real problem continues to be.

I bid you peace. Reb tk

Ari Joseph Bertine

What a freaking racist. He is the one that puts forth that they'd be ruled by Sharia law. He hates Muslims so much that you can feel it dripping off his words even in text. Calling them pedophiles, seriously? They're Americans, they are used to and clearly prefer American laws or they would live somewhere else, and they've outright said they don't intend to do anything that's against American law.

They didn't even say anything about Sharia Law, Abbot is the one that said that. Given that their mission statement says that "'People of every background, faith, and culture' who 'align with our goals of safety and security' are welcome in the community, according to its website," they are clearly NOT planning to implement Sharia law. So Abbot is pulling this right out of his nasty imagination, and now harassing them with legal investigation based on accusations of things he made up and the only reason he would think that is because he hates Muslims. Who does he think he is? He's behind the bill to ban transition for adult transgender people, too. Clearly he thinks that his position gives him the right to run roughshod over anyone he doesn't personally agree with. He's a bully.

Danielle Elizabeth Ostach

They want to build a community and are willing to pay for it. Go for it and stimulate the economy. No religious government interference in that.

They want to impose Sharia law, any parts compatible with Texas and Federal law is good, anything that goes against Texas and federal law can get them arrested. They have the same rights of privacy of their land under due process (search warrents and writs to free people override that privacy)

They can not force anyone living there to follow any laws.

Margaret Grigor

Let Texas deal with it. It is not our place to start playing in goverment. Remember seperation of chirch and state.

Joseph Grieco

As if Abbot, Patrick and Paxton have not imposed their own "Christian" version of sharia law! If those gents had their way only certain Christian denominations would be allowed to openly practice their faith in Texas.

Herb Kopper

I really enjoy the comments! I have my own opinions and beliefs, but the comments are always a highlight. I actually learn something every time I read.

ATL

You cannot have a Muslim city without Muslim Law. That law is called Sharia and is based on the Sunnah, the Quran, and the Ijma.

David M Hines

Hey, what happened to that “religious freedom” stuff Republicans are always pushing? It’s almost like it was never anything but a cynical ploy to gain political advantage, huh?

Steven Ferrell

Shitria law does not belong in the US. If they want to live under that, go back to the country they came from that has that law.

Patricia Ann Gross

Would Abbott also object to a "Chinatown" in Houston or Dallas? They do exist. Probably in Austin as well. Furthermore, very few of their families have anyone who is fluent in English. For the People of Plano, that are "afraid" of the bullhorns announcing prayer and the religious rites that include family structure, how is that different than the local Catholic Church ringing it's churchbells to announce a service? What about the requirement that a divorced person have their first marriage annulled before they are allowed to remarry? Also, would you rather they scatter to the winds and wind up buying a house and becoming your neighbor? Every city has pockets of ethnic groups. They have a place where they can be neighbors without judgement for being who they are. They can celebrate their faith as a community without having to explain to their neighbors why they are fasting and wearing different clothing during Ramadan and stopping to pray at prescribed times of the day.

Rev Nolan

True Shari’ah Law is not only a good thing, but by definition, The Constitution of The United States is completely Shari’ah Law. The word Shari’ah comes from the root sheen-ra-ayn or shara’a. This word literally means to freely hydrate your beasts of burden such as oxen, horses, camels, etc. by releasing them to an oasis full of clean and refreshing water. They rehydrate by drinking the water or soaking in it, however the creature desires, without restraints of any kind. In the spiritual application, the noun of the root, shari’ah, means to rehydrate spiritually without restraints like organized religion. There are no real clergies in Islam, just elected leaders. The false use of the word Shari’ah involves “sects” of Islam such as Sunni, Shi’a, and all the other 79 or so sects of Islam of which the Qur’an forbids. True Shari’ah Law then refers to laws that liberate people spiritually and in many other ways like The Constitution of the United States as I mentioned, employees washing their hands before touching food, not robbing banks, eating healthy foods, obeying the Ten Commandments, loving and helping your neighbors, tutoring students who have jihad in various subjects such as arithmetic, etc. These and much, much more is what Shari’ah Law truly means, and it is intended to help people be healthy and liberated physically, socially, morally, financially, and in every aspect of life. It is not intended for shoving religion or politics down anyone’s throats as we find in all forms of “sectarian” (false) Islam.

Therefore, I think to forbid an Islamic community from existing due to Shari’ah Law is ignorant, but, just as much as any Christian or other community, a preliminary investigation is always in order. In fact, when a community of any kind is proposed, isn’t it normal to investigate the merits first? For example, who will be involved in establishing such a community? What are the mission statement and bylaws of the community? What is the ultimate goals, objectives, and purpose of the community? and so forth. But to simply shut down a community out of ignorance is wrong.

As for Shari’ah Law, how does this community define it and what are extreme examples of it that threaten the peace and security of its members and members of surrounding communities? Is it true Shari’ah Law or an extremist, militant cult? These are the things that need to be considered; otherwise, discrimination against an Islamic community because they are “different” is Constitutionally a violation.

John Alex Paxson

All religion must follow laws of the land, freedom of religion does not mean freedom to do whatever you want. No religion on earth can prove or disprove that they are the one religion, we all must respect each other's spiritual beliefs (not physical beliefs), not in the false laws that are imbedded within all religions, the good in religion and the bad was imbedded to test humanities free will, which means that we as humans have the ability to choose between right and wrong

Michael Arthur Lueras

Gov. Abbott opposes Epic City because the ones who want to build it are not "White" but he won't use the language that was once upon a time used openly in Texas concerning those people because he would be banned from X. Or would he? Amen?

Michael Arthur Lueras

Does Governor Abbott oppose Sharia Law? If he does then he also opposes The Ten Commandments. God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. Later on in time God gave The Sharia to The Angel Gabriel who gave it to Muhammad. So if Abbott denies the validity of The Sharia then he denies the validity of the The Ten Commandments and The Validity of The One who sent both. And because Jesus had said long ago, "I did not come to do away with The Law." (Matthew 5:17) then Abbot in seeking to do away with The Sharia seeks to crucify Jesus all over again. So when Abbott eventually dies ("All born will taste death." - Quran 3:185) in his sin of denial of The Sharia, The Ten Commandments, God, and Jesus, and goes to Hell (Allah Willing) he will get instruction in matters legal and not so legal from Satan himself - who knows the law and The Law better than most of the lawyers on Earth today. Amen?

John P Maher

AMEN WILBERTA, THESE FELONs ALL ARE GETTING AWAY WITH TOO, TOO MUCH CRIME in ANY NAME or MANNER THEY CITE CIVIL WAR WEII BRING IT ON " MAGA MAGGETS " YOU THINK TURD tRUMP WILL BE LEADING THE CHARGE GET REAL, YOU ALREADY GOT SCREWED and HE WILL CONTINUE, NOBODY WINS WITH FELONS in THE W H, NOBODY !

Pastor Jim

The U.S. legal system is built on individual rights, equality under the law, and separation of church and state—principles that clash with Sharia’s religious foundation and, in some cases, its unequal treatment of genders or non-Muslims. For instance, Sharia’s family law often gives men unilateral divorce rights or custody preferences, which wouldn’t fly under U.S. equal protection standards. Hudud punishments? They’d violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment faster than you can say "ACLU lawsuit." Practically, it’s a moot point. Muslims are about 1% of the U.S. population—roughly 3.5 million—and there’s no evidence of a serious movement to impose Sharia nationally. Claims otherwise tend to come from fear mongering corners, not data.

Edward D Torres

The protection of children from pedophiles supercedes religions. No children under the age of 18 should be violated by an adult over 21 is line that should not be crossed. Abuse of a woman by any man physically or mentally cannot be tolerated in a Civil Society whether married or not this must remain against the law in America.

Colleen McAllister

I see no problem with a Muslim centered community. No different than Jewish neighborhoods or communities. No different than any faith community. People tend to congregate together in groups of like minds. As long as they keep our laws and allow other religions to enter the area what is the problem? I'd enjoy shopping in a Muslim area. Peace to them. And yes I am Christian.

Wilberta M. Berry

All entities in America must follow state and federal Constitutional laws. And frankly, I can't find too much difference between Sharia Law and Maga Christian Laws as this dangerous felon lead Republican party is applying it.

Alexander Clarke

No preference should be made for any religion. All organized religious property and income should be taxed just like the big businesses they are. Freedom of Religion is a personal right but just as important is freedom FROM religion. Radical Evangicals Christians are as dangerous as Muslims who follow Shari Law.

Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox

Makes me wonder how insecure and afraid these so-called christians are. It sounds like their afraid that their christian god isn’t very strong.

Chris

These hypocrites that demanded "Freedom of Religion" and then demand it only for themselves and their religion are disgusting. Abbot's making assumptions and claims without any proof. And the nonsense about this being a Christian nation? No. This is what happens when you cut public education and quit teaching real history. These cowards need to crawl back under the rocks they came from.

Nicholas J Page

Sharia law is not and should never be introduced into any country around the world.They follow their own laws what happened to Thou shall not kill it happened recently here in The U.K a little girl was tortured by her family and killed

Daniel Gray

They can make their own cities all they want, what they CANNOT do is make their own laws and follow them instead of the laws from the state. Now there is such a thing as "home rule" which means they can make their own city laws as long as their laws do not conflict with general laws of the state or try and overturn same (they can make them more strict up to a point but thats it) but they would still be required to follow the laws of the county/state/and US Government. If they refuse to do this then sorry but no city.