A group of Muslims in Houston is calling for Muslim-owned businesses to stop selling haram—products forbidden under Islamic law.
According to online reports, Imam F. Qasim ibn Ali Khan has been marching through neighborhoods urging storeowners to comply with parts of Sharia law. Specifically, he told them to stop selling pork, alcohol, and lottery tickets.
In a video posted September 6 by Amy Mekelburg, the imam warned store managers that businesses selling what Islam considers haram would face boycotts and public demonstrations. He added, “Toward the end of this month, we’re kicking off a national protest … against all Muslim businesses that have haram in their stores.”
The footage sparked a widespread political response.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz weighed in, writing on X: “Sharia law has no force in America. This religious harassment is outrageous. And it likely violates multiple federal & state laws.”
Cruz tagged Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his post.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued his own response, stating: “I signed laws that BAN Sharia Law and Sharia Compounds in Texas. No business & no individual should fear fools like this. If this person, or ANYONE, attempts to impose Sharia compliance, report it to local law enforcement or the Texas Dept. of Public Safety.”
With regard to Sharia law, Abbott appears to be referring to a measure passed in 2017. The measure in question only ensures that Texas courts in family law cases do not apply or enforce any foreign law, judgment, or arbitration award if doing so would violate U.S. or Texas constitutional rights, state public policy, or the welfare of children.
Regarding compounds, House Bill 4211 was passed earlier this year and creates new consumer and anti-discrimination protections for Texans buying into business entities to secure exclusive occupancy of residential properties.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) criticized Abbott’s response and accused the governor of using “fearmongering tactics” about Islam.
In a statement, CAIR wrote: “When Texas Muslims pray to God five times a day, donate [to] charity, fast in Ramadan, or speak up against injustice, among many other practices, they are observing sharia,” comparing these religious obligations to Jewish Texans following Halacha and Catholic Texans following canon law.
The organization has previously labeled both Mekelburg and Abbott as part of what it calls the “Sharia-scare.”
