Islam in America: June 2026 - Sharia Law Congressional Hearings and Private Muslim Education

The goal of this series, Islam in America, is to bring light to the truth about Islam in America. But instead of reacting with fear or anger, there are biblical ways Christians can respond. As you read, our prayer is that you become motivated to reach Muslims around you with the light of Christ.

Islam used to be a topic that Americans primarily associated with foreign policy, but now, the Muslim population is growing in America, and so are the questions:

• How does Sharia law interact with US laws, like the Constitution?

• Is private Islamic education going to become commonplace?

• What should Christians do in response?

Congressional Hearings on Sharia Law and the US Constitution

On May 13th, the second House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government hearing on Sharia law was held. It was titled: “Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution: Part II.”

The first hearing on this topic was in February 2026. This latest hearing was about the interaction between Sharia Law, the legal and political structure of Islam based on the Quran and Hadith, and US laws.

A full video replay of this hearing is available here: Congressional Hearing on Sharia Law

Muslim communities have responded to this hearing with outrage. The Maryland Director of CAIR, Council on American Islamic Relations, states that these hearings are about “demonizing Islam and portraying Muslim Americans as perpetual outsiders.”

What is the truth? Is it justified for American leaders to instate legal protections against Sharia Law?

Insight from an expert: Are American legislatures creating anti-Muslim feelings unnecessarily?

Samya Johnson answers this question:

Currently, in our culture, there is a trend of supporting groups without fully understanding the truth and ideology they represent. Many people feel a need to support a minority population simply because they are a minority group, and not because they believe that the cause is right or just.

Jesus did not “support” everyone, but He loved everyone He came in contact with. At the same time, Jesus did not tolerate everything. He was not afraid to point out things that were wrong, like practices and sins of religious leaders.

As Christians, we are not called to tolerate all things in our culture. In fact, we can be used by the Holy Spirit to point out the wrong, graciously, and bring light and truth into this world.

When it comes to the congressional hearings on Sharia Law, these US leaders are speaking out against Sharia Law because it is not a civil law but a religious law. In America, our government is set up with the separation of church and state, meaning religious leaders do not head the government and make decisions. In Islamic countries, religious leaders dictate the law of their country and even change constitutions if it does not align with their Islamic views. 

Many of the laws that have built the foundations of the United States are based on biblical principles, and people have inherent value based on the knowledge that we are all made in God’s image. That is not to say that America is a Christian country, but it was built on biblical values.

However, if a group wants to bring another ideology into our government, Islamic influence, for example, then American laws should also open the door to all ideologies of other immigrants and religions to be part of the law of the land. That would bring chaos and loss of the country’s identity. 

Some laws under Sharia law may align with American laws. However, there are many that directly contradict our Constitution. If we embrace one part of Sharia law, then the door is opened for all of it to be implemented. That is why it is important to stand now against not just Sharia, but any other law that opposes ethics that are drawn from biblical principles.

As Christians in America, we need to believe that we have the right to defend what is true based on our one main source, God’s Word. Yes, some may be offended by it, but the truth should stand.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

TexAM University in Richardson: Texas American Muslim University asked to cease operations until compliant

In May 2026, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board formally requested a cease of all operations of an Islamic “University,” Texas American Muslim University (or TexAM). TexAM was not compliant with the requirements of higher education facilities within the state.

TexAM is a STEM-focused facility, with Islamic studies taking up 30% of the curriculum. After the cease and desist, they began work to comply with state regulations.

The university had its first semester in October 2025. In 2026, it is not granting degrees, certificates, or credentials and is only funded by donations, not tuition. However, the cease and desist from the Education Board came because the school promoted its offering of college credits, despite not meeting the requirements for educational facilities.

Insight from the Expert: Is Islamic education going to grow in the US?

Samya Johnson answers this question:

In Islam, education is one of the four main methods of jihad, which is the fight to expand Islam across the world. Jihad can be done:

1. With the sword, especially against weaker opponents

2. With the tongue - Through teaching, education, and conversations that convince others to follow Islamic ideology

3. Through the pocket - Financial investment in mosques and Islamic education to gain more influence

4. In the mind and heart - Prayer and petition to Allah for Islam’s victory over non-Muslims

In the past, Islam has had great success with expansion through jihad of the sword, overtaking other countries and implementing Islamic rule through warfare and violence. This is how Muhammad and his successors exponentially expanded Islam.

In the modern era, Islamic leaders have recognized that this method will not succeed against much larger and stronger opponents. In nations where Muslims are the minority, they use different methods of jihad, such as finances and education.

Islamic education has the goal of raising students with Islamic values and an Islamic lens of world history. In fact, many Islamic education systems try to prove that the majority of modern sciences have stemmed from the Quran and Muhammad.

Christian Americans should expect the presence of more Islamic education in the future and prepare for it, because this is one of the ways Islam will try to gain more of a cultural foothold in America. We can respond by having respectful, albeit direct, conversations that challenge Islamic beliefs and vote to stop the infiltration of Islamic education in our schools.

You can explore articles that can help you prepare for apologetics conversations.

San Diego Mosque Shooting: Hateful rhetoric and radicalized teens 

On May 18th, two shooters attacked a mosque in San Diego, where over 140 schoolchildren and teachers were going about their days. Three men were killed at the mosque. Two were mosque attendees, and one was a security guard who helped prevent further loss of life.

The two shooters have been investigated by the FBI since then, and initial findings reported that it was two young men, Clark (17) and Vasquez (18). They killed themselves in a car after the violent attack.

Many are speculating about what the motives were until official findings are released. The two left behind a 75-page document with Nazi symbols and detailed hatred against many different groups: Muslims, Jews, LGBTQ, Latinos, Black people, and more.

Authorities are reporting that their radicalization appears to have come from online content and communities, citing normalized “hate rhetoric.”

Insight from the Expert: A Christian ministry’s response to the mosque attack in San Diego

As true Christ-followers, any loss of innocent lives is heartbreaking, especially when those who have died did not know Christ as their Savior. We mourn with those who mourn, and we are angered by unjust violence. 

It is vital for Christ-followers to cling to Christ’s teachings:

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:44-45

It goes without saying that violence and hatred have no place when it comes to interacting with people who disagree with us. When we are faced with people with deep hatred towards others, we should share Christ’s love with them and pray for the Lord to soften their hearts.

We should be examples of Christ’s love in a culture that is becoming full of antagonizing news every day. Jesus told His followers, when He sent them out:

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

““You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you..” Matthew 5:38-42