Civil rights group says there are no ‘Sharia compounds’ in Texas and that the governor’s rhetoric misrepresents Islam, stigmatizes Muslims, and undermines religious freedom.

(DALLAS, TX, 9/12/25) – The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) today condemned Governor Abbott’s inflammatory social media post falsely claiming that he had signed laws banning “Sharia law” and “Sharia compounds” in Texas.

In his post on X, Abbott went further, urging Texans to “report” anyone who attempts to impose “Sharia compliance” to law enforcement. CAIR-Texas says such rhetoric recklessly spreads fear, encourages discrimination, and paints ordinary Muslim Texans as potential criminals simply for practicing their faith.

Abbott was referring to House Bill 4211, a measure requiring business entities in residential developments to disclose certain investment structures. The legislation was introduced in response to the proposed EPIC City project led by the East Plano Islamic Center. While the developers of EPIC City have stated that their project fully complies with Texas law and even expressed support for HB 4211, Abbott has used the legislation to promote false claims about “Sharia law” and so-called “compounds.”

SEE: ‘Epic Hate in Texas’: CAIR Report Exposes Baseless Bigotry Behind State’s Targeting of Muslim Institutions

In a statement, Executive Director of CAIR Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter, Mustafaa Carroll said:

“Governor Abbott’s post is reckless, discriminatory, and divorced from reality. The governor’s rhetoric is fueling anti-Muslim bigotry and putting Texas Muslims at risk. To single out Islamic practices as uniquely threatening undermines the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This approach sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting the government can discriminate against religious minorities based on popular misconceptions or political expediency.”

CAIR-Texas noted that instead of inventing imaginary threats, state leaders should focus on addressing real issues impacting Texans, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and disaster recovery. Texas is strongest when it embraces all its residents and rejects fear-based policies that divide rather than unite.  We expect the Governor of the great State of Texas to help unite all the people of Texas.

The Facts About Sharia and Muslim Life in America

“Sharia” is an Arabic word that translates to “path” or “way.” It does not refer to a separate system of laws that competes with American law. Instead, it is a moral and spiritual framework that guides Muslims in their personal lives — including prayer, fasting, charity, caring for family, conducting business honestly, and following the laws of the country in which they live.

Just as Jewish communities follow kosher dietary rules or use rabbinical courts in civil matters, and Catholics turn to canon law for guidance on marriage or church governance, Muslims may look to sharia for personal religious practice. None of these religious traditions override or replace U.S. law.

Why Abbott’s Claims Have No Basis in Reality

Governor Abbott’s assertion that Texas must “ban Sharia law and Sharia compounds” is based on conspiracy theories, not facts. There are no “Sharia compounds” in Texas, nor is there any evidence of an attempt to impose a separate legal system on Texans.

By misrepresenting HB 4211 as a “ban” on Islam-related developments, the Governor:

• Distorts the purpose of the law, which even EPIC City developers affirm they already follow.
• Misrepresents a faith tradition followed by nearly two billion people worldwide.
• Singles out Muslims in ways that would never be applied to other faiths, such as Jews observing Halakha or Catholics practicing canon law.
• Encourages fear, suspicion, and harassment of Muslim Texans simply for practicing their religion.

CAIR-Texas is the state chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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CONTACT: Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Office Director, szayan@cair.com, 512-785-7105; Rawan Harirah, Chair and President of CAIR Texas-Houston, rharirah@cair.com, 713-254-2016; John T. Floyd, Board Member, CAIR Texas-Houston, jfloyd@cair.com, 713-254-2016; Mustafaa Carroll, CAIR-DFW Executive Director, mcarroll@cair.com, 469-200-0273