Islam in America: New updates you should know as of April 2026
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- 5 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Many Christ-followers are realizing more and more – Islam can no longer be a “back burner topic” for American churches. Whether it is the US military involvement with assassinating key Shiite leaders in Iran or American cities becoming pockets of non-assimilation, Islam is a growing presence for Christians in the US everywhere.
For the American Church, Islam is no longer a distant topic relegated to mission reports or evening news segments about the Middle East. It has moved from the "back burner" to the front door.
Whether it’s the ripple effects of U.S. geopolitical tensions with Iran or the rapid growth of diverse, self-contained communities across American cities, the presence of Islam is a reality Christians encounter every day. The global has become local, shifting the conversation from foreign policy to a direct, daily opportunity for engagement and understanding right here at home.
The goal of this series, Islam in America, is to bring light to the truth about Islam in America. But we urge you not to stay in a state of fear or anger – instead, there are biblical ways we can respond to the Muslims around us that will encourage us and shine the light of Christ into their lives.
Spring 2026: Noteworthy topics of Islam in America
US Shiite mosques held memorials for the Ayatollah, the deceased leader of Iran
After the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei in March 2026, at least two mosques were reported to hold memorials for the Shiite regime leader of Iran. A video was posted by MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute) with a compilation of the remarks from different imams in US mosques:
Most notably, the imams congratulated the Ayatollah on 86 years of jihad and attacking the West for being corrupted and satanic. Muslims often see secular Western culture and assume the immorality shown there is how all Americans live, corrupted, but as Christ-followers in the US, we can show Muslims around us that this is not the case.
Iran is one of the few Islamic countries that follow the smaller Islamic sect of Shia Islam. True Shiite Islam does celebrate the “victories” the Ayatollah Khamenei accomplished in his lifetime, including massacres and oppression of Iranians (especially women), because those are aligned with sharia law and the growth of the Islamic ummah.
Insight from an expert: Who are the Muslims who are praising Ayatollah Khamenei?
Samya Johsnon, the co-founder of Call of Love Ministries, shares her insight on this topic.
It is important for Christ-followers to know the distinct difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslims – Sunnis are the most common sect of Islam, while Shia Islam is smaller and considers itself the underdog.
Iran is a Shiite country. Ayatollah Khamenei was the renowned Shiite leader of Iran, as core to the Shiite people as the Pope is to Catholics.
The Muslims seen in the videos who are praising the Ayatollah are Shiite Muslims. Not all Muslims love the Ayatollah – in fact, most do not because he was a Shiite!
Sunni governments are well established in Islamic countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf countries, and Indonesia.
To learn more about the differences between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, read here.
Sharia Law highlighted in US state politics in FL and TX
In the Texas state primaries this March, some voters may have been shocked to see this question at the end of their ballot:
Proposition 10
Texas should prohibit Sharia Law.
Yes
No
The question of whether or not Sharia law could be practiced in the US is not new – many Muslims argue for the right to exercise it as their freedom of religion. However, the concerning principles and inequalities within Sharia law contradict many constitutional laws in the United States.
On April 6, 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill stating “courts may not apply or enforce foreign or religious law if doing so would violate constitutional rights” (Florida Executive Office News Release).
Florida joins 11 other states that have passed laws that outlaw foreign laws being implemented or otherwise prohibit Sharia law. In Texas, Proposition 10 received over 94% support from Republican voters, but no official laws have been passed (source).
Insight from an expert: What are your thoughts on laws prohibiting foreign religious laws, aka Sharia law, in the US States?
Samya Johnson answers this question.
There is a difference between freedom of religion and religious practices that contradict the laws of the land. The law of the United States is set in the Constitution and Bill of Rights – and there are religious-based laws of other countries, religions, and ideologies that contradict our standards.
The government must shield all of its citizens' rights – many of which could be taken away if Sharia law were practiced. Freedom of religion does not include imposing that religion and its legal practices on others.
Those who are prohibiting Sharia law from their states are trying to protect their citizens from the unconstitutional laws of Sharia law.
Growth of Muslim influencers on social media
In early 2026, an Islamic news website reported that the halal market had surpassed $3 trillion dollars worldwide (halal is the food and goods that Muslims are permitted to consume or use). At the base of it, they claim, is the growing presence of Muslim influencers on social media, connecting Muslim audiences with halal brands.
The majority of these influencers are showing a “westernized” Islam, not the true Islam. Most of the halal brand deals are owned by Islamic businesses and clothing companies, but still, some of the women influencers do not wear a hijab, which reflects a diluted version of Islam.
Muslim influencers often highlight the importance of family and hospitality, two of the most attractive values in Islam, especially for Western audiences that are so ingrained in an isolated and individualistic society.
Insight from an expert: Why should Christians care about Muslim influencers?
Samya Johnson explains:
The truth is, some of these Muslim influencers are not following true Islam and do not realize it. In a true Islamic society, they would not be able to live the life they are posting on social media.
However, other influencers are showing an untrue version of Islam on purpose to desensitize their American audiences to Islam. This opens doors for Islam to gain more influence and footing in the US, where it can eventually implement rules that align with the Quran.
Muslims know that the media is the number one tool to spread an ideology - that’s why so many Christians use it to share the gospel!
If they are claiming social media space for Islam, this is technically part of da’wa. Da’wa is how Muslims are ordered to spread Islam. This is done in three main ways: direct da’wa (converting non-Muslims), increase of Muslim population (marriage and procreation), and indirect da’wa.
Indirect da’wa is practiced both in majority Islamic countries and in the West. For example, in Arab countries, Muslims are encouraged to control how much real estate Christians can own. On social media now, Muslim influencers can control how much space Christian voices have by competing with them.
How to biblically respond to Islam in America
The Church in America cannot run away from the facts – Islam is here. This actually gives Christ-followers immediate opportunities to follow the Great Commission and reach Muslims with the gospel!
Despite being 25% of the world’s population, Muslims make up the largest majority of unreached people groups in the world. Now, most unreached people, who have never heard the gospel, are in our cities where we can freely talk about Jesus and His love. Instead of reacting with fear, Christians need to respond with the gospel and actively pursue Muslim friendships.
If you want to learn about how to start, check out these resources to grow in confidence:
Let’s obey the last instruction Jesus gave us – to go and make disciples!
