Refusing to Stay Silent in the Face of Prejudice
By Zahra N. Ahmed
Jul/Aug 25
As anti-Muslim sentiment intensifies across the United States, Texas stands out as a state where growing diversity meets deepening suspicion and increased targeting of Muslim communities. But rather than simply enduring it, Muslims there are responding with civic power, grassroots resistance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Shaimaa Zayan, 41, knows this struggle intimately. As the Operations Manager at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Austin, she spends her days supporting victims of Islamophobic abuse by documenting stories, advocating for policy change, and connecting community members to resources. Yet nothing prepared her for the day her work became personal.
During a routine doctor’s visit, Zayan stood quietly in line wearing her neatly-done hijab. Behind her, an older man gestured at her headscarf and asked, “Don’t you feel hot in all that?” She responded politely and moved on, but he kept going. His tone shifted from curious to accusatory when he asked whether Muslim women were allowed to speak to men. He then said with disdain, “We should convert [Muslims] to Christianity so you stop killing us.”
“His hateful words made me feel unsafe,” Zayan said. “I was afraid he might physically hurt me.”
Fearing further escalation, Zayan pulled out her phone and began recording, repeating his words aloud so others in the clinic could hear. The man eventually fell silent, but the damage was done. When her doctor examined her, Zayan showed clear physiological signs of stress, including high blood pressure and heart rate. Her individual experience is just one of thousands.
Islamophobic Violence in Texas
In 2023, CAIR received more than 8,000 complaints nationwide – the highest number in its 30-year history. In 2024, complaints increased by nearly 600, marking a 7.4% rise. CAIR linked the sharp rise to Israel’s Gaza Genocide, which reignited anti-Muslim rhetoric in U.S. politics and media. Law enforcement encounters surged as well, rising from 295 in 2023 to 506 in 2024 — a 71.5% jump that coincided with the wave of student-led anti-genocide encampments on college campuses. In Texas, Muslim visibility has grown, and so has the backlash. In some cases, that hostility has turned violent.
In Euless, Texas, a woman attempted to drown two Palestinian American children, a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old, in a swimming pool. Initially released on bail, she was later charged with a hate crime after community advocates linked the assault to rising anti-Muslim bigotry.
The attack quickly became a flashpoint in Texas, underscoring the urgent need to confront Islamophobia and protect vulnerable communities — especially Muslim children. The case drew widespread outrage and galvanized local leaders.
Among those leading the response was Muslim American State Representative Salman Bhojani. He worked closely with community groups and law enforcement to raise awareness, demand accountability, and ensure the incident wasn’t dismissed or overlooked.
“These kids were put in a life-or-death struggle,” Bhojani told Islamic Horizons, emphasizing the need for swift action.
For Bhojani, the issue is deeply personal; his faith and life experience shape his approach to public service. He emphasized that Islam teaches the importance of giving back to the community and has made it a priority to ensure hate crimes are properly recognized and addressed — not just for Muslims but for all Texans.
However, that commitment has been tested. During his campaigns, Bhojani often faced Islamophobic rhetoric. “When I ran for office, people would repeat what they heard in the news and project it onto me,” he said, pointing to unfounded fears about Sharia law in Texas.
Rather than retreat, Bhojani used those attacks as motivation to push for inclusive policies and protections for marginalized communities. He continues to advocate for civil rights and pluralism, holding up his own story as proof of what’s possible in public life.
Civic Responses and Political Challenges
While Bhojani fought for political change, Zayan’s experience marked a turning point. For years, she had internalized a common Muslim instinct to brush off microaggressions in the name of peace. But this time, she chose to confront the moment head-on, capturing it on film instead of staying silent. Her experience changed how she saw her role not only as an advocate but also as an active participant in a larger movement of resistance.
“We shouldn’t tolerate this kind of behavior,” she said. “Whether it’s crime, harassment, or public humiliation, we all need to report these incidents and have the courage to speak up.”
That show of resistance was on full display in April at the Texas Capitol where hundreds gathered for Texas Muslim Capitol Day, an annual event focused on advocacy, networking, and civic engagement.
During the event, a group of agitators who disguised themselves as participants stormed the stage and shouted anti-Muslim slurs. Despite the disruption, attendees remained focused, continuing their meetings with lawmakers and attending civil rights workshops. Their steady presence sent a clear message: Muslim Texans are not going anywhere.
Political allies also showed up. State Rep. Ron Reynolds (D), a longtime civil rights advocate, assured the crowd. “You’re all welcome here — and so is CAIR,” he said.
But even as some officials affirm their support, Muslim Texans continue to face hostility — not only from fringe agitators but also from the very institutions meant to protect them. Reynolds’ call for solidarity underscored that support from allies is critical, but silence from powerful leaders enables discrimination.
That climate of repression has real consequences. When the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) proposed a 400-acre development in Josephine, Texas — known as EPIC City — top state officials responded with suspicion and hostility. The plan includes homes, schools, commercial spaces, parks, and a mosque. Though still in the early planning stages, state leaders moved to halt the project before construction began. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the proposed development, echoing Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in referencing conspiracy theories about “Sharia cities” and “no-go zones” — rhetoric long used to stoke fear of Muslims.
“Christian Nationalists are using this moment to further alienate the Muslim community and pro-Palestinian allies,” said CAIR Houston Director William White. He compared the rhetoric to the use of post-9/11 fearmongering to justify discriminatory policies.
An Inclusive Vision
As these conversations continue, local leaders are charting new paths of engagement and inclusion. In Irving, community leader Yasir Arafat is redefining resistance through service, leadership, and steady civic involvement. A longtime organizer and former vice president of the Islamic Center of Irving (ICI), the 42-year-old has extended his influence beyond the mosque into city governance. Today, Arafat serves on the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau board and the Dallas County Historical Commission, becoming the first Muslim appointed to the city’s tourism board.
“Civic engagement is my life,” Arafat said. For him, it’s more than representation; it’s about building bridges, changing perceptions, and making sure Muslims are recognized as part of American society. His commitment began in 2014 when low voter turnout left the Muslim community politically vulnerable.
“We were being cornered,” he said.
Arafat helped launch voter registration drives, interfaith initiatives, and community partnerships to encourage Muslims to take an active role in civic life. His work shows that Muslims belong and contribute in many ways.
Through a partnership between the North Texas Food Bank and ICI, Arafat and other volunteers distribute more than 50,000 pounds of food each month to families across the community. The outreach program serves both Muslim and non-Muslim families — a reflection of a faith rooted in service and solidarity. He continues to encourage broader community involvement and participation in local decision-making processes.
“We’re not just here for ourselves,” he said. “We’re here for everyone.”
That inclusive vision led to a voter registration campaign that contributed to two historic political wins: Nuzhat Hye became the first Muslim woman elected to the Irving Independent School District Board in 2018, and Abdul Khabeer became the first Muslim elected to public office when he won a city council seat in 2023. Together, these victories show the growing impact the community can have when they engage in public life.
BEAM Academy: Preparing Tomorrow’s Muslim American Leaders Today
Still, Arafat knows lasting change takes time. It requires years of cultivating leaders and connecting deeply with the community. That’s where programs like BEAM Academy — Building Enriching American Muslims — play a vital role. With programs in Plano, Allen, Frisco, and Richardson, this North Texas academy is carving out a niche that blends faith, academics, and physical development for students navigating their formative years.
Founded by Farah Kuzbari, the academy offers weekend classes, after-school clubs, and enrichment programs focused on leadership, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Sports and outdoor activities, including annual campouts, round out the experience — all within a framework grounded in Islamic values.
“Raising confident Muslims also means raising compassionate neighbors, bridge-builders, and community leaders working side by side with others to build a better future for all,” she said.
That mission resonates with parents like Adeeba Alzaman, BEAM PTO president and mother of two children enrolled in its Sunday Islamic school. At home, she has open conversations with her kids about discrimination and the school’s commitment to nurturing a strong sense of identity and faith.
“BEAM reinforces pride in who my children are,” she said. “It’s a place where my kids feel grounded, valued, and connected to their faith.”
The academy’s community stands in contrast to experiences like that of Sumbel Zeb, secretary of the Collin County Democratic Party. Reflecting on her middle school years, Zeb recalls enduring ignorance and prejudice. “I was asked if my dad beat me or my mom,” she said. “People hold distorted views from the start.” Her dedication to youth empowerment grew from that isolation. Through civic engagement workshops at BEAM, she helps young people understand the importance of using their voices effectively.
“It’s important [for] leadership roles — whether it’s serving on committees, volunteering, engaging elected officials, joining city councils or school boards, or even being a PTA mom or dad,” Zeb said. “It normalizes who Muslims are and builds bridges with the wider community.”
Echoing that sentiment, Kuzbari said creating a sense of belonging is central to BEAM’s mission. “When Islam is lived as a shared, value-based way of life,” she said, “students stay grounded and grow into leaders who are capable of shaping their communities.”
She believes the current generation of Muslim youth in Texas is becoming better equipped to confront challenges like Islamophobia by engaging with communities and instigating long-term, positive change.
The Future for Muslims Texans
Muslim communities across Texas have grown, but harmful stereotypes persist. U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Tex.) who represents southeastern Texas, has taken action to challenge these views. His co-sponsored bill created a Texas state office to monitor and combat anti-Muslim hate. He also met with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston to oppose President Trump’s travel ban on Muslim-majority countries, condemning the policy’s portrayal of Muslims as “radicals.” But harmful Muslim narratives of being violent, foreign or extreme can’t be undone with visibility and allyship alone. Lasting change requires structural reforms in schools, policies, and public life.
Some states are moving ahead with such reforms. New York City schools have adopted plans addressing Islamophobia and antisemitism, including training for principals and more inclusive curriculums. California’s “Education to End Hate” initiative equips teachers to combat anti-Muslim bias in classrooms.
While such programs remain limited in Texas, progress is emerging. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Tex.) has introduced a bill to address Islamophobia in schools. Although the Republican-led Texas legislature has pushed back, the bill shows a growing awareness of the issue.
Today, Muslim-led organizations and their allies continue to mobilize at the grassroots level. Coalitions formed with churches, synagogues, labor unions, and civil rights groups are framing Islamophobia as a broader human rights concern. The Texas Civil Rights Project works across faith and racial lines to challenge systemic discrimination. National groups like Interfaith Worker Justice unite religious communities to support marginalized Muslim workers.
Coalition-building, while not new, is gaining strength. “We’re not in the same place as 25 years ago,” said White. “We have many more allies who understand the Constitution applies to everyone and are willing to stand with us.”
Texas is part of a larger national movement against Islamophobia which has been shaped by history, politics, and the state’s shifting demographics. Muslim Americans are turning to civic engagement, community organizing, and policy advocacy to challenge stereotypes and influence decisions at the local level. Their efforts embody the push for equal rights in a country where religious bias is entangled with policy decisions. While challenges remain, Muslim communities nationwide are building networks of support and making their voices heard.
Zahra N. Ahmed, based in Houston, Texas, is a storyteller with more than a decade of journalism experience. Her work focuses on the Muslim experience, using human-centered reporting to explore identity, faith, and belonging.
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