The idea of "402 acres purchased to build an Islamic city that will govern itself in the heart of Texas" seems to stem from discussions about a proposed development called EPIC City, tied to the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) near Dallas. However, the notion of a fully self-governing Islamic city operating independently under Sharia law in Texas is not supported by the available facts and appears to be a misrepresentation or exaggeration of the project.
EPIC City is a planned community on 402 acres near Josephine, Texas, roughly 40 miles northeast of Dallas, spanning parts of Collin and Hunt counties. The project, spearheaded by Community Capital Partners—a group formed by members of the East Plano Islamic Center—envisions a mixed-use development with over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, a community college, sports fields, retail shops, clinics, and elderly/assisted living facilities. The organizers describe it as a Muslim-centric community aimed at meeting the needs of Muslims, but they’ve emphasized it’s inclusive and open to people of all backgrounds, not an exclusive enclave.
Claims of self-governance or Sharia law implementation have fueled controversy, particularly amplified by posts on X and statements from Texas officials like Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Abbott has repeatedly asserted that "Sharia law is not allowed in Texas" and, as of March 31, 2025, announced multiple state investigations into EPIC and its affiliates, including by the Texas Rangers, for potential legal violations. These probes focus on allegations like operating an unlicensed funeral home, possible fraud against investors, and violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on religion. Some critics, including Abbott, have suggested the project could discriminate against non-Muslims or create a "no-go zone," though no concrete evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate these claims.
EPIC representatives, including resident scholar Yasir Qadhi, have countered that the community will comply with local, state, and federal laws—not Sharia governance—and is intended to be well-integrated into the broader region. Legal experts have noted that any attempt to establish a truly self-governing entity would face significant constitutional and practical barriers in the U.S., where local zoning, county oversight, and state laws would still apply. The 402 acres are in an unincorporated area, meaning Collin County retains jurisdiction over land use, as evidenced by a public hearing on March 31, 2025, where residents voiced both support and opposition.
Public sentiment, especially on X, ranges widely. Some posts warn of a "Sharia stronghold," while others dismiss it as misinformation, possibly tied to the April 1, 2025, date of your question, hinting at an April Fool’s prank. News reports from late March 2025 indicate the project remains in planning stages, with Phase One of an adjacent development, EPIC Ranches, reportedly sold out quickly. However, the flurry of state investigations—five by March 31, per CBS Texas—suggests ongoing scrutiny that could impact its future.
EPIC City is a real estate project with Islamic cultural focus, not a self-governing "Islamic city." Its development is contentious, under investigation, and far from a done deal, but it’s not poised to override Texas sovereignty as some claims suggest. The narrative of autonomous Sharia rule seems more rooted in speculation than reality. 17GEN4.com
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