Islam in America: Is there a growth of radicalism?
Updated: 1 day ago
In this blog...
Discover how subtle cultural influences are quietly introducing Islamic teachings to young Americans without raising immediate alarms.
Explore key theological differences and biblical guidelines for responding to growing religious influences with Christ’s love and truth.
Learn practical ways Christians can share the Gospel with Muslim neighbors while keeping their own family's faith grounded in Christ.
Investigative journalist reports on numerous Girl Scout Troops around America promoting Islamic values
In past decades, the Girl Scouts have been criticized for being more progressive. Recently, an independent investigation brought to light that numerous Girl Scout troops across America have implemented programs and patches that promote Islamic values.
Multiple Girl Scout groups have hosted programs to promote Islam, such as hijab try-ons, Ramadan education series, and mosque tours. Scouts can get patches for the Hajj pilgrimage, fasting for Ramadan, and completing the Five Pillars of Islam.
Insight from an expert: Is it concerning that Islamic values are promoted under an organization like the Girl Scouts?
There is a perfect metaphor for this scenario. When someone takes a frog to boil it in water, they do not throw the frog in when the water is boiling, because the frog would immediately sense the danger and jump out. Instead, they put the frog in room-temperature water and slowly turn up the heat.
Perhaps the frog begins to like the warmth of the water, but then by the time it realizes the water is boiling and killing it, it is too late.
For Muslims, the ultimate goal is always to obey Allah and spread Islam – this is called da’wa. It is a mandate for them in the Quran to grow the worldwide population of Muslims (called ummah), and obedience to Allah gains them forgiveness of sins. When Muslims are minority groups in Western countries, they use a very soft and gradual version of jihad to gain cultural acceptance.
Muslims understand that one of the easiest ways to spread their ideology is by reaching the younger generations to gain acceptance with them. The problem is that the version of Islam shown to children and teens is watered-down and westernized. This is the room temperature water in the metaphor. The Islam presented to children is fun, exotic, and welcoming, with none of the true demands and commands of the religion.
Once Islam gets wide acceptance in a culture, and even positions of influence, the true version of Islam is implemented. This is where non-Muslims are called infidels and may not be tolerated. This is the boiling water the frog cannot escape.
Record-breaking number of Muslims in US Public Office
In August 2026, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported that the recent number of elected Muslim officials in public office reached 255 across 26 states. This includes council members, mayors, judges, state representatives, and senators.
This is the highest number reported in US history, and CAIR shared it to encourage Muslims to join American politics and to be engaged, specifically in the 24 states currently without Muslim public officials.
CAIR Action Executive Director Basim Elkarra stated: “Every Muslim serving on a school board, city council, state legislature, or in another public office opens the door wider for the next generation of Muslim leaders. But our work is far from finished."
(Source)
Insight from an expert: Is there reason to be concerned about the growing influence of Muslims in American politics?
As Christ-followers, we must be proactive in engaging in politics and vote to keep in office leaders who align with biblical values. We also have to acknowledge the growing Muslim influence and population in America and make efforts to reach them with the gospel.
It is expected that Islamic organizations like CAIR and others will push for Muslims to gain political footholds in American public offices. This is part of their “jihad” in Western countries.
Not every Muslim who engages in politics will be an extremist. However, they do open the door for another Muslim, a more extreme Muslim, to gain positions of power after them.
Christians need to talk about these issues and vote! If you are interested in learning more about the hidden spiritual battle in America, check out this digital resource:
FBI thwarts an attack at Mall of America by radicalized 18-year-old Muslim
On October 6, 2026, the FBI arrested Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud for allegedly planning to conduct a mass shooting at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. Mohamud had stated he wanted the attack to emulate prior Islamic terrorist attacks in the United States, and had specifically chosen the Mall of America because it was owned by Jews.
The Long War Journal reports that this is the seventh terrorism case or incident this year in the United States that is linked to the Islamic State. There is a video of Mohamud, who is a United States citizen, pledging allegiance to an Islamic State leader. Mohamud chose to construct this domestic attack after he was not able to travel to join Al- Qaeda as he wished.
Source: Department of Justice
Insight from an expert: What should American Christ-followers do in response to hearing about planned radical attacks?
It’s not easy for a Western mindset to truly believe that there is an ideology that not only calls for death and destruction of others, but that people would truly act on it.
These actions bring the ultimate reward for the Muslim. They are promised that dying for the cause of Allah is the only way to ensure they will gain paradise.
The Father of Lies, Satan, is the creator of this religion to destroy people, like Mohamud. Jesus Himself said the enemy came to steal and destroy (John 10:10).
We need to look at this young man, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, and his life. He is an American citizen, and his parents immigrated to the United States from Somalia.
What did we do as the body of Christ to help this young man? Was there an effort to reach his Muslim community and share the love of Christ with him? Was he ever introduced to a God who died for him, instead of the oppressive ideology of Islam that calls for death to the infidels and to Muslims themselves?
This is a call for our communities and churches to step up and recognize that the threat is in our neighborhoods, our streets, and our cities. And the only person who can change lives and hearts and turn them away from death to life is Jesus Christ.
Praise God for the authorities who are able to thwart terrorist attacks before they happen, and may He protect them in their calling for safety and justice.
However, wouldn’t we much rather reach these people who are broken and lost and introduce them to Jesus?
We cannot be bystanders and remain disengaged from the Muslim population around us – we must proactively reach out to them with the life-changing Good News of a God who loves them, who came to give them life abundantly.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
What You Can Do:
It is key for Christ-followers to always be ready to share the gospel and the life-changing power of Christ:
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2
Be ready at all times! We can keep our hearts ready to share the gospel by maintaining healthy habits:
Read your Bible regularly – Know God’s Word so you are ready to share it
Pray consistently – “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Remain connected with the body of Christ – A healthy Christian needs a healthy church to engage with for accountability and support
Practice the Great Commission by witnessing to everyone God puts in your path
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for letting me live in a country where I am free to worship and speak about you! Please give me opportunities to share the gospel with those who need it to make a difference in their lives. Give me discernment as I create relationships and vote in elections. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
