Governor Abbott Warns of Unauthorized Sharia Courts in Texas

Governor Greg Abbott is asking top law enforcement officials across North Texas to investigate reports of groups he says may be operating unauthorized “Sharia tribunals” while presenting themselves as legitimate courts. The Governor issued a letter on Tuesday to district attorneys, sheriffs, the Texas Attorney General’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety outlining his concerns.

Allegations Of Unauthorized Religious Courts in Texas

According to the Governor, his office received information suggesting that entities in Collin and Dallas counties may be portraying themselves as legal courts with judges issuing binding orders based on Islamic codes. State leaders emphasized that, under US and Texas law, no religious tribunal has the authority to override state or federal statutes.

Abbott said in his letter that religious protections do not allow organizations to operate in a way that circumvents established law. He urged local and state officials to review any groups “purporting to illegally enforce Sharia law in Texas.”

State Law: Legal Matters Must Be Decided In Civil Courts

Texas law requires that disputes involving contracts, family matters, criminal issues, or other civil processes be handled through state-recognized courts. While religious organizations can offer voluntary mediation or internal guidance for members, they cannot issue rulings that claim the power of law or conflict with state authority.

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The Governor wrote that legal decisions in Texas must be rooted in American due process and not in systems lacking state oversight. He also noted that any organizations operating as unlicensed courts may face legal consequences if investigations confirm violations.

Read Governor Abbott's Letter.

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Local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies have not yet announced whether formal investigations have begun.

All of this is on the heels of the Governor signing into law on Tuesday, a law designating the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations in Texas.