Abbott Alerts Dallas Officials Of A Muslim Tribunal Everyone Already Knew About
In case of local history repeating itself, an Islamic mediation service is now at the heart of Abbott's anti-sharia actions.
By Alyssa Fields
November 20, 2025
In a letter addressed to district attorneys and sheriffs in Dallas and Collin Counties, Gov. Greg Abbott called for an investigation into “possible criminal violations by Sharia tribunals masquerading as legal courts.” The letter specifically names Dallas-based entity, The Islamic Tribunal, a self-described “mediation and non-binding arbitration firm that adheres to Islamic principles in the Muslim community,” and trails the governor’s recent campaign against sharia law and Islamic faith-based organizations.
Sharia law, which has become something of a focus for Abbott this year, is a guiding code found within the Quran. Several Muslim countries incorporate sharia law into their legal systems, but for many practicing Muslims, rigid adherence is not an integral part of everyday life, much like the most traditional values of Christianity.
Tribunals are a facet of many denominations, and Abbott acknowledges the existence of the First Amendment protection for religious institutions to “adjudicate ecclesiastical questions,” and “inquire into wrongdoing and correct their members to preserve the purity, peace, and good order of a congregation,” but he goes on to allege that the IT is doing more than that.
Abbott claims that the Islamic Tribunal is compelling Muslim Texans to adhere to a religious court, claiming to have the approval of the Texas judicial system, rather than the state’s established legal system, thereby operating as a rival court in violation of the Texas Penal Code.
The Constitution’s religious protections provide no authority for religious courts to skirt state and federal laws simply by donning robes and pronouncing positions inconsistent with Western civilization,” reads his letter.
According to the tribunal’s website, they predominantly deal with divorce cases, business disputes and family issues, and clearly state that all decisions do not supersede official court rulings.
“These proceedings must be conducted in accordance with the law of the land; local, state and federal within the United States,” reads their website. “Through effective mediation and arbitration, decisions can be made that are stipulated in the Shari’ah and adhering to the binding, ethical and legal code that exists within this country with the final approval of the relevant courts and judges.”
The organization also clarifies that their court, headed by Imams, or Islamic faith leaders similar to priests, is not a law firm, and their clients should consult with licensed attorneys for any legal advice.
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