Things in Texas are heating up after Gov. Greg Abbott signed an order banning a historic religious practice for Muslims. But while the move to end Sharia Law isn’t getting much attention in the media, the likely fallout will impact millions of practicing Muslims– many of whom are Black– around the country.
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Sharia is the religious code Islamic believers follow in accordance to the Koran. It guides everything from diet, clothing, prayer and morality for Muslims. Abbott announced the ban on Sharia Law Tuesday (Sep. 9) saying, “In Texas, we believe in equal rights under the law for all men, women, & children.” The statement continued, “Any legal system that flouts human rights is BANNED in the state of Texas.” Despite Abbot trying to pass off the ban as simply a “pro-America” declaration, Islamic experts believe this is another way to target the most vulnerable communities in the country.
The Root talked to Abed Awad, an attorney and Islamic law expert on the matter, and for him, Abbott’s ban simply isn’t based in good faith. He called it “a political tool [and an] Islamophobic tool to distract from the problems in Texas.” Awad, who previously testified in court in the U.S., Canada and England, continued saying the governor is “looking for fear mongering and finding a group to abuse and bully.”
Abbott’s ban came directly after Imam F. Qasim ibn Ali Khan was filmed in Houston confronting a store owner. He accused the store of selling items deemed forbidden under Sharia– like pork and alcohol. According to the Black Muslim activist, the store was violating their faith. This is called haram, meaning “taboo.”
Sharia practices are more common than most realize. Awed told us Sharia is an overarching ethical code, and in it’s truest form, it is no different than the Haloka for Jewish believers or Canon law for Christians. With this in mind, many view Abbott’s ban as a clear example of discrimination leaving Muslim communities defenseless.
Black Muslims make up about 20 percent of the total Muslim population in the country. And in Texas, which ranks no. 5 of states with the highest Islamic believers, according to Halal Times, the Black Muslim population is even denser. Already, Black history, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and Black cities have been targeted by President Donald Trump’s administration through executive order, and according to Awad, Abbott’s ban bares strange similarity.
“With the rise of Trump and the rise of the right, [the ban] is easy fear mongering against immigrants. For anybody perceived to be not white, you’re not American,” he said. What’s more dangerous is that the Sharia ban leaves hundreds of thousands of Texans vulnerable. “There’s no basis in fact,” Awad told us of the ban. “It provides no additional protections to a Muslims or Americans.”
Prejudice against Muslims is still the highest of all other ethnic and religious groups, a Brookings study found. That’s why Awad said the best thing for Muslims to do right now is to fight against injustice strategically.
First, the attorney said it’s important for Texan Muslims to remember “the Constitution protects your free exercise of your religion. What you’re doing is not illegal,” he said. “You’re protected.” Additionally, he urged practicers to “stand up and not be afraid to stand their ground.” Awad said the best thing to do is organize. “You gotta raise money, you gotta vote and you gotta build your coalition.”
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