America has long prided itself on a legal system built on the Constitution and the rule of law. Unlike many nations around the world, the United States maintains a clear separation between religious doctrine and civil governance.

This foundational principle is now being deliberately challenged as certain groups attempt to establish parallel societies within our borders.

Western European nations have already witnessed the dangers that arise when communities develop in isolation from mainstream society.

Neighborhoods in parts of France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom have become what officials openly describe as “no-go zones” where local customs and sometimes even local laws take a backseat to religious practices.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has intervened decisively against such developments in the Lone Star State. He recently declared that a planned Muslim community development outside Dallas will not be permitted to operate as proposed.

The governor’s statement came in response to plans for a 402-acre development called “EPIC City” that would house over 1,000 people just 30 minutes from Dallas.

From ‘The Post Millennial’:

“To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas,” Abbott wrote. “Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are ‘no go zones’ which this project seems to imply. Bottom line. The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas.”

The planned community, led by members of the East Plano Islamic Center, would include a central mosque, Islamic schools, housing, clinics, stores, and a nursing home. Dr. Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at the Islamic Center, described the development as “more than just a neighborhood, it’s a way of life.

A meticulously designed community that brings Islam to the forefront.”

According to reports, demand for the community was so high that two additional developments, called “EPIC Ranches,” have already been planned nearby. The first phase of land acquisition reportedly sold out “within days” after being announced.

Concerns About Parallel Legal Systems

Governor Abbott’s concerns about “Sharia cities” reflect growing apprehension about the establishment of parallel legal systems within the United States.

Sharia law, based on Islamic religious texts, governs many aspects of Muslim life including prayer, fasting, marriage, divorce, and business transactions.

Critics rightfully worry that self-contained religious communities could attempt to implement their own internal governance systems that conflict with American laws and values.

These concerns were heightened by language on the EPIC City website that initially appeared to suggest restrictions on who could purchase property in the development.

The website originally stated they would “limit sales to only persons we believe will contribute to the overall makeup of our community.”

This language raises obvious red flags about potential discrimination and selective admission practices that would violate fair housing laws.

Only after media scrutiny did Community Capital Partners, the group managing the EPIC City project, change the website wording. The Dallas Morning News reported that the group suddenly claimed it would adhere to the Fair Housing Act and “will not enforce blanket bans on any group of people.” The timing of this reversal deserves skepticism.

Developer Claims Versus Community Design

Developers behind EPIC City insist they will follow all state and federal laws. Qadhi told The Dallas Morning News that the community is open to anyone, regardless of religion, and that they are “not building an exclusive community.”

“Our main focus is actually family and not faith,” Qadhi claimed, while also emphasizing that many Muslims pray five times daily, making proximity to a mosque a priority.

Yet these statements directly contradict the very design of the community—centered around a mosque with Islamic schools and facilities—which clearly suggests a development built specifically for Muslims.

The promotional video described the community as one that “brings Islam to the forefront,” exposing the hollow nature of claims about inclusivity and integration.

Mercedes Colwyn, a legal analyst quoted by NewsNation, suggested that talk of Sharia-based law might be “fear-mongering” and “just an overreaction of what people perceived EPIC City to stand for.”

Such dismissive attitudes ignore the developers’ own statements about creating an Islamic-centered community.

Impact on Local Communities

Residents living near the planned development have expressed concerns that go beyond religious considerations. Greg Abbott (no relation to the governor), a 62-year-old lifelong resident of Josephine, Texas, worries about infrastructure.

“The little town we know is gone, and that’s fine,” Abbott told The Dallas Morning News. “Progress is coming; I’m OK with that. … But they have to address infrastructure, and they have to address how you’re going to get cars in and out of here.”

Other neighbors worry about wildlife, construction noise, and the strain on rural resources from such a large development.

Some have already decided to move away from the area rather than deal with the coming changes.

Ironically, the controversy has reportedly increased property values in the area. Some longtime residents who aren’t wealthy now find themselves “sitting in a very prime location” that could allow them to “retire and enjoy the rest of their lives,” according to the local Abbott.

Key Takeaways:

• Governor Abbott has declared EPIC City’s “Sharia city” model unacceptable in Texas, setting a precedent against parallel religious governance systems.
• Developers’ own promotional materials describe a community designed to “bring Islam to the forefront” with questionable admission practices.
• This case exposes the contradiction between religious freedom and the establishment of segregated communities.

Sources: The Post Millennial, NewsNation, Dallas News