Faith, Politics, and Power: Why Texas Is Targeting a Major Muslim Community Hub

In Trying to Silence EPIC, Texas Might Be Undermining Itself

I moved to Dallas in 2009 for work and, through a friend’s recommendation, discovered a local mosque in Plano. At the time, the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) was modest, nothing more than a small building that many in the community relied on for their prayers and events. That little structure, now used as the mosque’s medical clinic, was the heart of a growing, tightly knit community.

Even though I’m Shia, I felt welcome at EPIC. My friends, who were Sunni, made me feel at home, and I found myself visiting regularly. It became a central part of my life, not just for prayer but for the connections it fostered. Living just across the street, I could easily walk over for Friday prayers, classes, or even just a moment of quiet reflection. The sense of community was palpable—people greeted you warmly, and it felt like everyone was working toward something bigger than themselves.

But the EPI…