Islamic World News – Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC)

Islam in the Texas Political Debate

IRIC — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:41:30 +0000

Debate over “Sharia law” has intensified in Texas in 2026. Governor Greg Abbott has called for a ban on Sharia, while Senator Ted Cruz has also spoken publicly about the issue. The Republican Party of Texas adopted a resolution titled “Don’t Sharia Our Texas,” and several lawmakers have proposed measures addressing Sharia, Islamic schools and religious practices. Muslim Americans and Islamic scholars have pushed back against the characterization of Sharia as a parallel legal system, describing it instead as a broad framework of religious and ethical guidance.
The proposals range from restrictions on the use of foreign or religious law in courts to measures concerning Islamic institutions and religious practices. At the federal level, more than 60 Republican members of Congress have joined the Sharia-Free America Caucus, while several anti-Sharia bills have been introduced. Most of these proposals have not become law. Critics, including Muslim civic leaders, argue that such measures can portray ordinary religious practices as a threat to the American legal system.
The controversy has also extended into Texas education. In September, the State Board of Education approved revised social-studies standards containing new material on Islam, early Islamic history and “radical Islam.” Muslim Texans and some academics criticized aspects of the revisions, while supporters defended them as efforts to provide students with information about ideology and history. The developments have made Islam and the place of Muslims in American society an increasingly visible subject in Texas politics.
Supporters of the measures say they are intended to protect U.S. and Texas law from competing systems of authority. Muslim organizations and scholars, meanwhile, argue that religious beliefs and practices should not be treated as evidence of political allegiance or opposition to American law. Critics of the political debate say that using Islam as a campaign and political issue risks deepening divisions around religion and identity, while its supporters see the issue as one of legal and constitutional protection. The debate reflects a broader question over how Islam and Muslim identity are being discussed in contemporary American politics.

New Restrictions on Religious Practice in Quebec

IRIC — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:35:12 +0000

New provisions strengthening Quebec’s secularism framework came into effect this September. The measures expand restrictions on religious practices in certain public institutions and educational settings.

Under the new rules, religious practices are prohibited in premises and facilities belonging to public institutions. This means that dedicated prayer rooms at universities can no longer be used for prayer. The legislation also prevents students from using other campus spaces, such as classrooms, offices or dining areas, for religious practices.

The changes also extend restrictions on religious symbols to additional groups, including staff in subsidized private schools and subsidized childcare services. The law also establishes new rules for religious accommodations and prohibits collective religious practices on public roads and in public parks without municipal authorization.

The Quebec government presents the measures as part of its model of state secularism, emphasizing the separation of religion and the state, state neutrality and equality. Critics, however, argue that the expanded restrictions place greater limits on religious expression and practice, with particular implications for Muslim communities.

Italy Bans Face Coverings in Schools

IRIC — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:22:03 +0000

Italy’s Council of Ministers approved a new school decree on 24 September 2026 that prohibits students from participating in school activities with their faces covered, including wearing the burqa or niqab. The measure applies to curricular and extracurricular activities, as well as school-family meetings, with exceptions for specific health or security reasons.
The decree provides for an administrative fine of €200 to €1,000 for violations. When the person with their face covered is a minor, the fine is applied to the parent or person with parental responsibility. The government says the measure is part of a broader package concerning integration and the Italian school system.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the measures as intended to support integration and ensure equal opportunities in schools.
The Italian government presents the measure as part of its wider integration and education policy. However, Muslim advocates and other critics have questioned whether a specific ban on religious face coverings is necessary or proportionate, and some have questioned whether integration is the only consideration behind the measure.

The Hijab Debate in France and Austria

IRIC — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:09:55 +0000

The wearing of the hijab has become the focus of renewed debate in two European countries this year. In France, a new political controversy has emerged over proposals to restrict the Islamic headscarf in public spaces. In Austria, a new law restricting headscarves for girls under 14 in schools has come into force.

In late August, Marine Le Pen revived the National Rally’s proposal to penalize the wearing of the Islamic headscarf in public spaces. The proposal would go beyond France’s existing restrictions and could affect Muslim women wearing the hijab in streets and other public areas.

The proposal has faced criticism from political opponents and legal experts, who have questioned its compatibility with religious freedom and France’s constitutional framework. Even within the National Rally, there have been reservations about extending restrictions to the public sphere.

In Austria From the beginning of the 2026/27 school year, girls under the age of 14 are prohibited from wearing a headscarf that covers the head according to Islamic traditions in school. The government argues that the measure is intended to protect girls’ development, autonomy and equality.

Critics, including Austria’s main Muslim representative organization, argue that it disproportionately targets Muslim girls and interferes with fundamental rights. The Austrian Constitutional Court is expected to face renewed challenges over the legislation, particularly given its earlier decision to strike down a narrower headscarf ban in 2020.

Muslim women in Derby turn to fitness despite barriers

IRIC — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:35:22 +0000

In Derby, Muslim women have launched a new chapter in their community by taking part in exercise sessions designed specifically for them. Many had been discouraged from joining gyms or sports clubs, often due to cultural barriers as well as experiences of racism and Islamophobia. These challenges left some feeling excluded from public spaces of fitness.

To address this, a local organization called DE23 Active was created. Based in the Normanton area (postcode DE23), the group provides inclusive opportunities for women to exercise together. Today, more than 300 women take part in activities like women-only classes, walking groups, and chair-based sessions, DE23 Active makes physical activity accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The benefits go beyond health. Participants have found new confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. Many who were once hesitant now enjoy regular exercise in a setting where they feel safe and respected. This has helped strengthen bonds across the community.

Source: BBC

Muslim MPs call on UK to declare war on Israel

IRIC — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 10:34:52 +0000

A coalition of mostly independent Muslim MPs—led by Adnan Hussain (Blackburn)—has formally urged UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to initiate a UN-led military intervention in Gaza. In a letter dated 16 September 2025, they invoke the UK’s obligations under the Genocide Convention, citing a recent UN Independent Commission report that found Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The letter argues Israel’s actions meet four out of five genocidal elements defined under international law, including intentions expressed by senior leaders. Signatories include MPs Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Iqbal Mohammed, and Liberal Democrat Andrew George.

The MPs stress that Britain must move beyond words and take active steps to enforce human rights under international law.

The MPs highlight a devastating toll: since October 2023, Gaza has seen at least 64,964 Palestinians killed, including thousands of children, alongside famine and mass displacement. The UN report presents satellite imagery, eyewitness statements, and speeches—including by Netanyahu—linking Israeli policy to genocidal intent. For the MPs, these findings make military intervention not just a political stance but a legal and moral necessity.

Source: 5Pillars

East Renfrewshire crime: Muslim girl ‘attacked’ walking home from Scottish school as police probe ‘hate crime’

IRIC — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:37:45 +0000

An investigation into an alleged hate crime has been launched following reports a Muslim schoolgirl was assaulted as she walked home in East Renfrewshire.

The Newton Mearns Islamic Centre said the girl was returning home from Eastwood High School in Newton Mearns on Monday when she was allegedly attacked by a man on Harvie Avenue. The man also allegedly made threatening comments against Muslims.

In a statement posted on social media, a spokesperson for the Newton Mearns Islamic Centre said: “We understand that while a young Muslim schoolgirl was walking home from Eastwood High School, she was assaulted by a male and he also made threatening comments against Muslims.

“In collaboration with East Renfrewshire Muslim Forum (ERMF), we have reached out to the family of the girl to offer our support.” The statement from the center said Police Scotland, MPs and councilors has been contacted to ensure “full efforts” were being made to investigate the incident.

Source: The Scotsman

Sacred Islamic artefacts go on display at school

IRIC — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:12:07 +0000

A unique exhibition in Scunthorpe gave visitors the rare chance to witness sacred Islamic artefacts dating back over 700 years. Held at St Lawrence Academy, the Kiswat al-Kaaba Exhibition displayed treasures such as a 29-foot cloth once covering the Kaaba in Mecca, ancient Quran scrolls, and items from the chambers of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The exhibition was described as both a historical and spiritual journey, moving many attendees to tears. Visitors from different faiths expressed deep appreciation for the beauty, craftsmanship, and significance of the pieces. For many local Muslims, it was an emotional reminder of pilgrimage, while others said it opened new doors of understanding about Islam.

Organizers said the event was about sharing culture and fostering unity. Alison Barker of North Lincolnshire Council called the artefacts “beautiful” and “impressive,” while guardian Sheikh Ilyas Malik described them as “the crown jewels for Muslims.” Bringing these relics to the community was seen as a powerful way to connect people through history, faith, and shared heritage.

Source: BBC

Masjid Al-Baqi and the question of religious freedom

IRIC — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:53:15 +0000

Masjid Al-Baqi, located in Bethpage, Long Island, has sought to replace its two modest buildings with a new three-story structure. What began as a straightforward renovation request has become a prolonged dispute, reflecting both local zoning debates and wider cultural tensions.

Many see these explanations as masking a deeper resistance to the mosque itself.

The proposed upgrades are modest and practical: additional bathrooms and washing stations, dedicated classrooms for children’s programs, and space for community meals during Ramadan. Congregants emphasize that the expansion is meant to serve existing needs, not to dramatically increase capacity.

While some opposition has cited traffic and planning concerns, but the traffic concerns cited by the town contradict both the evidence and its own studies.

The mosque has also faced a wave of community resistance marked by petitions, heated public meetings, and at times, overtly Islamophobic rhetoric. Lawyers for the mosque have described the opposition as a “fresh wave of anti-Muslim agitation.” A recent settlement briefly appeared to resolve the dispute and was met with relief by the congregation. However, after renewed backlash, the agreement collapsed, and the matter is now set to proceed in federal court. The case raises broader questions about equal treatment of religious institutions.

Source: The New York Times

Muslim leaders say Quebec report on secularism is discriminatory

IRIC — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Leaders voice strong opposition to the report’s recommendations, citing concerns over religious freedom and minority rights.

A new 300-page study urging that Quebec’s ban on religious symbols be extended to daycares has sparked strong backlash from Canadian Muslim organizations, media reported.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is already fighting a headscarf ban, which forbids wearing religious symbols by public servants in the workplace, in the Supreme Court.

Bill 21, which became law in 2019, covers most Quebec public servants, such as teachers, school janitors and health care workers. It is designed to separate state from religion. The new report released recently recommends that the ban include staff in subsidized daycares.

The ban forbids Muslim headscarves, Sikh turbans, Christian crosses and Jewish kippahs in the workplace.

Critics contend the ban unfairly targets Muslim women and forces them to follow their religion or be fired from their jobs. The new report also said Muslim students could risk their health by fasting during Ramadan.

NCCM Chief Executive Officer Stephen Brown called the report “asinine” and an infringement on their rights.

“We really have to ask some serious questions about the legitimacy of their report,” he told Anadolu Agency (AA). “At a time when Quebecers are struggling with the cost of living, inflation, and the existential crisis posed by the Trump administration, this committee put together by the CAQ Quebec (Coalition Avenir Quebec) government has chosen to consider prioritizing going after kids in school and Muslim janitorial staff.”

Brown vowed to continue the legal fight against Bill 21, along with fellow plaintiffs the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and a Quebec nurse.

Source: CBC/Radio-Canada