Richardson, Texas – In a November 6 sermon, Imam Karim AbuZaid told his congregation that the recent Texas Democratic victories were “a chance for us Muslims to grab” and outlined plans to convert the former Korean World Mission Baptist Church into a mosque, an Islamic outreach academy and a food pantry.
Project details and religious claims
AbuZaid, who leads the Authentic Ilm Mission (AIM), said the new complex will include a K‑12 Islamic school, a seminary and a residential training camp for Islamic educators. He argued that only Sharia, or Islamic religious law, can bring lasting peace, adding that the effort would be “lawful” and would not be forced on anyone.
During the same sermon, AbuZaid quoted scripture, urging believers to “confront the disbelievers” through intellectual debate and elections, while warning that confrontation could eventually “escalate”.
National attention and political reaction
The plan attracted national attention after MEMRI released excerpts of AbuZaid’s remarks and a May 22 livestream from an AIM conference in Arlington, where he linked a second period of Islamic rule to the return of Jesus (Isa) in Islamic belief.
Senator Ted Cruz (R‑TX) responded on X, posting, “This is their plan. They admit it proudly. Hell no,” and shared a video caption suggesting the imam’s remarks called for Muslims to take over Texas.
Other voices and local context
San Diego Imam Uthman ibn Farooq, speaking at the same conference, said making America a Muslim country is “our goal.” He later repeated the sentiment in a Birmingham, England lecture, predicting a “Muslim Europe” and urging listeners to help spread Islam.
AbuZaid also referenced the victory speech of Senate‑elect James Talarico (D‑TX), using the David‑and‑Goliath story to frame elections as a form of civic action for Muslims. He praised Republican Senator Ted Cruz for “singing the blues by himself,” while accusing Republicans of being “so Islamophobic”.
Legal and community implications
The nonprofit Salahuddin Future Academy, affiliated with AIM, purchased the former church property after a lawsuit over a disputed $3.8 million sales contract. The acquisition and planned construction have raised concerns among some Richardson residents about the impact on the community and the use of Sharia‑based teachings in a public‑school‑age setting.
Local officials have not yet commented on the project, but the proposal underscores ongoing tensions between religious freedom claims and community standards in Texas.
What’s next?
AIM has scheduled the mosque’s inauguration for November 27, moving the date from November 6 due to construction delays. The organization plans to hold a six‑day residential camp to train Islamic educators and proselytizers, and to open the K‑12 school and food pantry shortly thereafter.
As the project moves forward, Richardson residents and state leaders will be watching closely to see how the proposed religious institution aligns with local zoning laws, educational standards and the broader conversation about religious liberty in Texas.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
