North Texas Muslim Community Project Faces Political Opposition

A proposed Muslim-majority community near Josephine, Texas, is facing opposition from state officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, despite its organizers emphasizing inclusivity and adherence to U.S. law.

The project, called EPIC City, is being spearheaded by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and aims to create a vibrant, faith-based neighborhood with housing, retail shops, a mosque, a school and a community college. The development, planned across 402 acres in Collin and Hunt counties, has become the subject of political debate, with concerns about religious governance despite reassurances from its organizers.

Abbott and Conservative Opposition

Governor Abbott strongly opposed the initiative on social media, responding to conservative commentator Amy Mek’s claim that a “Sharia City” was being built in Texas. Abbott posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are 'no-go zones' which this project seems to imply."

Abbott’s comments have amplified fears among conservative circles about the influence of Islamic law in the state. However, there is no evidence that EPIC City intends to be governed by Sharia law. Newsweek reported that it found no references from the project’s organizers suggesting anything other than adherence to U.S. law.

A Vision for Inclusion, Not Exclusion

Despite the opposition, EPIC leaders maintain that the project is designed to be a model community that is both Muslim-majority and fully integrated within the broader society.

Dr. Yasir Qadhi, the resident scholar at EPIC, stated: "EPIC City is going to be a role model community of thousands of Muslims living well-integrated. We are not forming a cult. We're not forming big barriers between the rest of society. We're going to be giving back to this state and this country, and we're going to be showing what it means to be a Muslim neighborhood."

The development is being overseen by Community Capital Partners, an entity created by EPIC for this purpose. They have stated that EPIC City will comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits religious discrimination in housing.

"Our vision is to build a diverse and inclusive community — one in which people of every background, faith, and culture can live together in harmony," the organization said in a statement to The Dallas Morning News.

The Bigger Picture: Muslim Communities in the U.S.

The controversy surrounding EPIC City mirrors broader national debates about Muslim-American identity and integration. During his first presidency, Donald Trump imposed a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, citing security concerns. Upon returning to office in January 2025, Trump signed a new executive order requiring officials to reassess which nations should face immigration restrictions.

The scrutiny surrounding EPIC City reflects lingering anxieties over Muslim self-sufficiency and community-building, even though faith-based residential projects are not uncommon in the U.S. Christian, Jewish, and other religious communities have long established neighborhoods centered around shared beliefs without facing similar political resistance.

What’s Next for EPIC City?

The project remains in the early stages, with plans still being finalized. While Abbott’s vocal opposition may signal potential political challenges ahead, no legal precedent prevents the development of faith-centered communities as long as they follow federal and state housing laws.

As the Muslim-American population grows, projects like EPIC City may become more common, raising questions about religious freedom, urban development, and political discourse in Texas and beyond.

Whether EPIC City ultimately comes to fruition will depend on zoning approvals, funding, and potential legal challenges. For now, its organizers remain committed to building a neighborhood they hope will serve as a positive example of Muslim-American life in Texas.