Republicans Revive the Sharia Panic, and Muslim Americans Bring the Constitution to the Group Chat

Republican politicians are once again warning that Sharia is coming to replace American law, a political rerun that has apparently survived more revivals than Law & Order. Muslim American leaders are responding that Sharia, as practiced here, guides prayer, fasting, charity, family life and personal ethics—not a secret takeover of county court.

At a recent Republican convention in Dallas, Sen. Ted Cruz said Sharia has no place in America, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott promised to ban it. A congressional anti-Sharia caucus formed last December now has more than 60 Republican members, though its proposed bills have not succeeded.

Religious guidance is not government law

Muslim scholars and civic leaders compare voluntary Islamic mediation and personal religious practice with Jewish Beth Din proceedings and Catholic ecclesiastical processes. None can overrule the Constitution or issue binding civil judgments outside the legal system.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded records from a Dallas Islamic tribunal this summer. The organization responded that it offers voluntary religious guidance and mediation, does not function as a state court and refers enforceable matters to the Texas system.

Outreach is answering fear

Advocates are holding mosque open houses, workshops and meetings with Christian clergy to explain what Sharia means in daily American Muslim life. Critics say the political rhetoric converts ordinary religious behavior into evidence of disloyalty.

The Associated Press documented the renewed rhetoric and Muslim American response in reporting published September 25, 2026.

The First Amendment does not reserve religious conscience for whichever faith has the largest yard sign. If politicians need a constitutional emergency, voluntary prayer and mediation are not it.