Imam Karim AbuZaid told The Dallas Express in July that his affiliated nonprofit, Salahuddin Future Academy, has purchased the former Korean World Mission Baptist Church property in Richardson and plans to open Dar Al‑Tawheed Masjid along with an Islamic outreach academy. The opening ceremony has been set for Nov. 27, after construction delays moved the date from an earlier Nov. 6 target, according to WBAP.
AbuZaid first referenced the project in a Nov. 6 sermon after Texas Democrats won the governor’s race and a U.S. Senate seat. He described the election results as “a chance for us Muslims to grab,” and said Muslims must confront disbelievers through lawful means such as intellectual debate and elections, while noting that confrontation could “escalate” later, WBAP reported.
The property acquisition followed a lawsuit over a disputed $3.8 million sales contract, which the nonprofit resolved before completing the purchase, WBAP noted. The former Baptist church will be repurposed to house a six‑day residential camp aimed at training Islamic educators and proselytizers, as well as a K‑12 Islamic school, a seminary, and a food pantry for the surrounding community.
During a May 22 livestream from the Authentic Ilm Mission (AIM) Memorial Day conference in Arlington, AbuZaid linked the project to a broader vision of Islamic rule and the return of Jesus (Isa) in Islamic eschatology. He also said he does not vote and makes no political endorsement, while criticizing Republicans as “so Islamophobic,” WBAP said.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R‑TX) responded on X, quoting a Nov. 8 post that portrayed AbuZaid’s remarks as a plan for Muslims to take over Texas. Cruz wrote, “This is their plan. They admit it proudly. Hell no,” WBAP reported.
What’s next: The mosque and academy are slated to open during a six‑day residential camp beginning Nov. 27 at 201 N. Plano Road. City officials have not announced any additional permits or zoning hearings, but the inauguration will be the first public event at the site, offering Dallas residents a chance to see how the new religious and educational facilities will integrate into the neighborhood.
Sources: wbap.com
