Noor Islamic Cultural Center Sues City of Hilliard Citing Discrimination Over Rejected Zoning Plans for Multi-Use Facility

HILLIARD, Ohio — The Noor Islamic Cultural Center has initiated a federal lawsuit against Hilliard, claiming discrimination led to the denial of their plan to repurpose a vacant office building into a mixed-use facility. The center had purchased the former BMW building on Britton Parkway early in the previous year, with visions of converting it into a space that would house offices, a restaurant, and a community center to serve the local mosque and its affiliates. This legal challenge comes after the Hilliard Planning Commission, in November, turned down the zoning changes requested by the … Read more

Texas Islamic Community Faces Governor’s Scrutiny Amid Development of Inclusive EPIC City Project

DALLAS — A significant residential and educational development proposed for a 402-acre tract in unincorporated Collin and Hunt Counties, northeast of Dallas, aimed at supporting the Muslim community, has sparked controversy and a wave of investigations led by state officials. The East Plano Islamic Center, colloquially known as “EPIC City,” envisions a comprehensive community setup including a new mosque, over a thousand homes, a faith-based K-12 school, senior housing, commercial spaces, sports facilities, and a community college. Amidst the development plans, which have yet to break ground, Texas Governor Greg Abbott initiated several probes into … Read more

Malaysia’s Top Court Rules Dozens of Islamic Laws Unconstitutional, Ignites Controversy Over Sharia Legal System

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia – Malaysia’s highest court has declared more than a dozen Islamic laws in the state of Kelantan unconstitutional, citing their infringement on federal authority. The decision, reached by an 8-1 judgment of the Federal Court, has stirred debate, with some conservative Muslim critics suggesting that it could undermine the country’s Sharia legal system. Among the 16 laws deemed “void and invalid” are those related to sodomy, sexual harassment, intoxication, incest, and defiling or destroying a place of worship. Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat emphasized that the verdict should not be interpreted as … Read more