Texas – 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.

80% of Indian-American Muslims experience Islamophobic discrimination

IRIC — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:51:11 +0000

A new survey, The Detrimental Effects of Hindu Nationalism on Indian American Muslims, conducted by the Washington DC-based diaspora group Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and Chicago-based ReThink Media, which offera in-depth media, messaging and opinion research, has claimed existence of alarming trends regarding the rise of Hindu nationalism within the Indian diaspora in the United States and its profound impact on Indian American Muslims.

The survey, which polled 950 Indian American Muslims in order to take a “comprehensive look” at how Hindu nationalist ideology, particularly following the rise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is “shaping social, professional, and digital interactions”, said that over 80% of respondents experienced “Islamophobic harassment, discrimination, or prejudice from Hindu friends or social contacts over the past decade since Modi’s rise to power.”

It said, 70% of respondents experienced biased treatment from Hindu colleagues, including being passed over from promotions and anti-Muslim remarks at work; 48% of respondents reported facing harassment and discrimination on Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn, describing these experiences as emotionally exhausting, and contributing to feelings of isolation and hostility; 90% of respondents agreed (73% of them strongly) that Hindu nationalism “is a threat to Muslims in the United States”; and 86% agreed (69% strongly) that Hindu nationalism “is a threat to democracy in the United States.”

Indian American Muslims are experiencing the dissolution of longstanding social, workplace, and community bonds” with “their Hindu peers who have absorbed the bigoted ideology of the Modi regime.”

According to the survey report, the rise of Hindu nationalism in India is directly driving the rise of Islamophobia within the Indian American diaspora, adding, “Hindu nationalism is fostering an environment of intolerance that actively undermines democratic values both in India and within the diaspora community in the U.S.

The report further say, social media platforms have been weaponized against the Indian American Muslim community, “which overwhelmingly reported experiences of anxiety, fear, and isolation from Islamophobic posts and groups on international tech platforms.”

It adds, the conflation of the political ideology of Hindu nationalism with the religion of Hinduism has “dangerously allowed the supremacist movement to penetrate U.S. cultural and progressive spaces, further isolating Indian Americans.”

The survey respondents are located throughout the United States but are concentrated in the larger Indian American population centers in New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Texas, and California.
The report emphasizes on the need for enhanced community dialogue, education, and policy interventions to address the growing divide and ensure the inclusion and safety of Indian American Muslims.

Source: Counterview

Qalam Seminary

Islamic Monitor — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 07:10:43 +0000

Traditional Education in a Modern Context

The Qalam Seminary strives to develop Islamic thought and community leaders by means of education, practical training, and mentorship. Qalam aims to bridge the gap between text and context and living the tradition in a modern context.

Since 2013, the Qalam Foundation has been able to provide a one-year Islamic Studies program in Dallas, Texas known as the Qalam Seminary. Over the last few years, we have taken the first step in the journey that Muslims have dedicated themselves to for nearly a millennia and a half: finding practical solutions to humanity’s problems within the sources of our religion.

Our Approach

With our three-pronged approach of taʿlīm, tarbiyah, and ṣuḥbah – education, training, and mentorship – we have meticulously developed a five-year ʿĀlimiyyah curriculum keeping in mind both the longstanding scholarly tradition of our ummah and the pressing needs of our society today. This catered curriculum is taught by seasoned faculty who serve not only as instructors to the students, but also as mentors. We eagerly look forward to continuing the noble tradition of sacred knowledge with the amazing men and women who have decided to dedicate their lives to serving the deen of Allah ﷻ.

– Taʿlīm: Education. We believe in a traditional classroom setting where students read and translate classical texts, discuss with qualified scholars, and learn research methodology.

– Tarbiyah: Training. Students receive guided training to implement what they learn in class with their communities. Many serve in imam or youth director capacities, lead halaqas and khatirahs, develop weekend school curricula, tutor, research, and more.

– Ṣuḥbah: Mentorship. Good company produces more good company. Students find a home here on campus. Older students will tutor and mentor younger students, and students benefit from the mentorship and guidance of their instructors for years to come.

Contacts

Address: 4200 International Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75007, USA
Phone: +1 857-997-2526
Email: info@qalaminstitute.org
Website: https://www.qalamseminary.com/about

Al-Hadi School

Islamic Monitor — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 11:52:23 +0000

Al-Hadi School of Accelerative Learning is a full-time accredited private Islamic school, established in 1996, and situated in Southwest Houston, Texas and caters to a diverse population that travels from many different areas of the city. The school enrolment averages around 275 students. Almost all students speak one additional language other than English. Al-Hadi is currently serving 55% South Asians, 41% Arab, 2% Europeans, 1% African Americans, 0.5% Asian and 0.5% Hispanic.

It is interesting to note that only 42% of Al-Hadi students live within a 10 miles’ radius. 58% of the student body live outside the 10 miles’ radius. Out of those 10% drive more than 20 miles to attend the school.

30% of the student body come from low middle class homes. 59% come from middle/upper middle class and 11% come from affluent homes.

The population is made up of mostly first generation Americans with parents who come from different parts of the world to settle in the United States. The majority of our parents are bilingual. Most of the parents have received formal education and possess a Bachelors or Master degree. Some have professional degrees in law, dentistry or medicine. A few own their own businesses. All parents are very involved in their children’s education and in the community.

Curriculum

Al Hadi School courses are guided by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the guideline / standards set by the National Council of Teachers of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered and are based on rigorous curricula that encourage higher level thinking skills and help establish study skills necessary for college level study.

Al-Hadi School of Accelerative Learning earned its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 2002. SACS is one of the 4 accreditation bodies approved by the US Department of Education and accredits public schools and universities in Texas and throughout the nation.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide academic excellence for all students in a safe and healthy environment following Islamic values. To foster our students’ optimal potential and leadership skills by inculcating a spirit of lifelong learning based on Islamic principles.

Belief Statement

A safe and comfortable environment promotes student learning.
Faith, knowledge and good deeds are the key to our children’s success.
The Jafari Isna Ashari school of thought is the basis for our beliefs and practices. Cultural diversity increase students’ understanding of different peoples and cultures.
Islamic environment helps students prepare for future challenges by developing their spiritual compass.
Every student is unique in physical, spiritual, social, intellectual, and emotional needs and attributes.
Students learn to make appropriate decisions given a balanced supportive and challenging environment.
Staff, parents, and the community are role models and share the responsibility for advancing the AHS mission.
Curriculum and instructional practices should incorporate a variety of learning activities to accommodate differences in learning styles.
Students’ learning is the chief priority and includes understanding of knowledge as well as developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
The commitment to continuous inprovement enables students to become confident lifelong learners.
The inclusion of Islamic Principles in the curriculum with an emphasis on ideology and morality is necessary to instill proper values and behavior in students, and to prepare them to be Momins (practicing and believing Muslims).

The Al-Hadi School Education Board, also known as Islamic Education Board (IEB), functions as governing body for Al-Hadi School. The core function of IEB is policy making and to pursue implementation of the school’s vision and mission, define strategy & provide direction, resources and tools to meet stated objectives.

Contacts

Address: 2313 S Voss Rd, Houston, TX 77057, USA
Phone: +1 713 787 5000
Fax: +1 713 513 5315
Email: alhadi@alhadi.com
Website: http://www.alhadi.com/