Why Are So Many Muslims Moving to the Heart of the Bible Belt (Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas)?

Islamic Art Work at the Dallas Museum of Art

Texas now has the highest population of Muslims in the country. The old stereotypes of Texas don't describe the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metroplex. Believe it or not, Irving, Texas, where I live (about 20 minutes from downtown Dallas), currently has most diverse zip code in the country.

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"More Muslims live in Texas than in any other state," stated Jerome Weeks in an interview on KERA (our local NPR station) about the amazing new Islamic Art Exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. Here's a link to the entire interview: Jerome Weeks speaking on the huge Islamic Art Exhibit in Dallas

"But isn't Texas the home of racists and pork ribs?"

When Trump started his failed, sad "Muslim Ban," people from every race and religion came out to protest at the airports. As I was walking in with my sons, there was a group of young white women dressed like real Texans, cowboy boots and all, walking out. They asked us if we wanted their signs because they had been protesting for hours already and were heading home. Here's a pic of me with my sons holding the signs. They read, "NOT ALL TEXANS ARE RACIST," and "WE ARE ALL IMMIGRANTS!"

Our signs got some attention. People were actually taking pictures of them! You can see in the background that tons of white non-Muslims showed up in force to protest Trump's ban. There was one white lady who just broke down crying when she saw they released a family of international Muslim travelers that had been detained by the security.
 So where it mattered, we could see that truly, all Texans are NOT racist. My oldest son, pictured behind me, told me afterwards how heartwarming it was to see so much support for our community. He was shocked to see so many non-Muslim people compassionately standing up for us because the news shows so much hate. It gave us a dose of optimism to move forward.

So yes, there are racists and lots of pork ribs, but there are far more friendly, good people here and plenty of zabiha/halal grocery stores and restaurants to choose from. 

DFW OFFERS CONVENIENCE FOR AN ACTIVE MUSLIM

Today, Muslims are moving to DFW because it has many active masajid (plural for masjid/mosque) spread across the 4th largest metroplex in the United States. It's unlike most other areas in the country where there may be a few masajid but only one is active. In that case, you may have to drive an inconvenient distance to participate in those activities. If you live in any of the 13 counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, you are bound to be near an active masjid or two.

"Can we afford to provide for our families in a big city like Dallas?"

So that brings us to the jobs. Because first, we have to know how we'll eat. So, I'm sure people are wondering what brought all the Muslims here to build this beautiful community in the first place. After all, the masajid and Islamic Schools weren't here first, the people were. I think the answer is pretty simple. Before we consider frequenting a masjid activity, we need to make sure we have food and shelter. This is perhaps the driving factor that has brought so many Muslims to Texas in the first place. A quick glance at the Bureau of Labor Statistics and you will find that the non-farm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metroplex has risen 2.8% above the national increase of only 1.5%. Here is the link: Bureau of Labor Statistics

"Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,612,900 in August 2017, up 96,700 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. 

From August 2016 to August 2017, local nonfarm employment rose 2.8 percent, above the national increase of 1.5 percent. 

Among the 12 largest metropolitan areas in the country, Dallas ranked second in both the rate of job growth and the number of  jobs added." Bureau of Labor Statistics

• The average commute in the DFW area is 27 minutes. 
• Average salary in DFW is $49,030 vs USA $48,320
• 3.8% people without a job which is 1.1% lower than the national average 

You can check the following places to verify these stats: US News & World Report and The Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dallas at Night

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Improved Islamic Center of Naples Today

I came to Dallas from Naples, Florida. My husband is originally from San Antonio but had been living in Irving,Texas for about 6 months before he moved to Florida to marry me. He loved to reminisce about the Islamic Center of Irving, the vibrant community, higher paying jobs and lower rent. In Naples, Florida 2005, there were a handful of Muslims and just a small office space rented out where the men would meet for Juma and about 20 kids would come for Sunday school.
Outside of an Arab family that own a clothing store called Men's Palace, I didn't see anyone with hijab in Naples. I wanted to move to a place where we could thrive as Muslims.

I prayed for years for Allah to take us somewhere that we could truly embrace our Islamic identity and study our deen. In 2007, my husband and I were a wreck trying to figure out how we could put this newborn baby in daycare. We had been barely making ends meet with two incomes and my maternity leave pay was about to run out. My husband suggested we just take off to Irving, Texas because he was certain the cost of living was far below that of Florida and the jobs actually pay better. He always complained that even the food costs far more in Florida than Texas. Desperate to find a way to avoid putting my baby into daycare, I went along with the plan. I still remember that first night we drove down Esters Road to see the masjid. It was a massive white building, beautifully lit up. Right then, I felt my prayers were answered.

Our family started to settle into the community over our first 6 months. But it wasn't until about a year and half later when I started working as a first grade teacher at the Islamic School of Irving (which is at the Irving Masjid), that I felt I had truly integrated into the community.



I've left the DFW area twice and returned. In 2010, we left for a year and a half to Houston because my husband's job transferred him there. We had heard so much about the Islamic activity in Houston but once we lived there, we couldn't wait to return. In 2014, I spent 4 months at the foothills of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, New Mexico with my mother.

We got to know the small but tight knit and loving Muslim community there as well as Imam Shafi Abdul Aziz. From there, we moved to Denver, Colorado where I spent the year working as the Assistant Office Manager at Masjid Abu Bakr (a.k.a. Colorado Muslim Society). If DFW has a large Muslim population, I would say Denver has a medium sized Muslim population. Just a side note, it truly is a small world. Imam Shafi N. Aziz that we got to know in Albuquerque ended up becoming the Imam of Masjid Abu Bakr in Denver before we left.

Imam Shafi at Masjid Abu Bakr Denver, CO

I'd be lying if I said my heart isn't still attached to the masjid and community there. They are a special community and we love to go back and visit them. As much as I love it, there are three big drawbacks to living in Colorado; 1. Extremely high cost of living 2. Lacks decent paying jobs 3. Little Islamic activity and schools.

Our reason for moving back was there wasn't a full time hifdh (Quran memorization) program for our 9 year old son to join. Once we moved back to Irving, my son started his full time hifdh program at Shaatiby Institute located directly behind the Islamic Center of Irving. Sheikh Khalid, (previously a Quran teacher at the Tanzeel Quran Academy), is an excellent and patient teacher. May Allah bless his school and his beautiful family ameen.

Islamic Center of Irving

Aerial View of Islamic Center of Irving

LIST OF ONLY SOME OF THE MASAJID IN DFW

Mansfield Islamic Center
Islamic Association of Allen
Dallas Masjid of Al Islam Dallas
Masjid Al Quran  Dallas
Madinah Masjid of Carrollton 
Islamic Association of Carrollton 
Islamic Center of Irving
Valley Ranch Masjid   
Dar Al Eman   Arlington
Arlington Central Mosque
Dar Al Huda   Hurst
Islamic Association of Colleyville 
Islamic Center of Southlake 
Grand Prarie Masjid
Islamic Association of Tarrant County 
Islamic Association of Fort Worth 
Masjid Al-Hedaya
Dar El-salaam Islamic Center
East Plano Islamic Center

A BEAUTIFUL CLEAN CITY

Did you know Dallas was voted for having the world's best skyline in an online vote? I was surprised as well but here's the article on KERA (local station for NPR) Dallas Voted Best Skyline. Well, I'm not sure about it having the best skyline. I would give that award to Dubai for sure with the tallest building (Burj Khalifah) and all those gorgeous shiny towers surrounding it. However, Dallas is the prettiest city in Texas. It beats Houston, Austin and grimy San Antonio's skyline any day. Sorry San Antonio but you ain't nothin' to look at.

Downtown Dallas

MacArthur High School (Public)

"But where will our children be educated?"

This is the question that burns a hole into so many Muslim parents' hearts and minds. We worry endlessly about who are children are rubbing shoulders with at school. We know that aside from secular studies at public school, they are also getting a social education that is completely out of line with our deen (way of life/religion). To solve this issue, Muslims have collaborated to create various Islamic schools around the metroplex. There are plenty of parents who live in cheaper apartments and drive older cars so they can afford the tuition at these schools. We know we are accountable to Allah for how we raised our children. Obviously, a huge part of their upbringing is the environment they are in. From my experience teaching at the Islamic School of Irving and substituting at public schools, it is obvious that the Islamic school is superior in terms of an environment. The students and staff are like extended family.

The teachers truly care about the outcome of these students in duniya and akhirah (this life and the next). You will not find that anywhere else. There is a clear separation between the boys and girls. You won't see a teacher just walk past a girl and boy huddled together in the hallway like you would in public school. In fact, the kids already know a teacher wouldn't allow that so they act appropriately.

Brighter Horizons Islamic School

Besides the strong family atmosphere at the Islamic school, one of the things I miss the most is how we weave Islam into
everything we teach.
There is always an Islamic reminder throughout the day and each lesson is crafted in such a way that there is an Islamic Connection explicitly tied to it. In addition to that, we start and end each class with a short dua (supplication) asking Allah to bless us with knowledge.

Islamic School of Irving

With all that being said, most families have several children and can not afford to put their children in the Islamic schools. So you will find that the public schools near the masjid are full of Muslims. You will see Muslim girls with hijabs very comfortable at public schools in DFW. You'll also find at the high schools there are active MSAs (Muslim Student Association) up and running.

Islamic School of Irving's Girl's B-Ball 

Radiant Stem Academy 

ISLAMIC SCHOOLS

Islamic School of Irving
IANT Quranic Academy
Brighter Horizons
Peace Academy
Ameen Academy Plano
Good Tree Academy
Radiant Stem Academy

Tanzeel Academy Full Time Quran Memorization
12th Year Serving the Community

EPIC (East Plano Islamic Center) 

FULL DAY QURAN MEMORIZATION/ HIFZ/HIFDH SCHOOLS

Tanzeel Academy Irving at Islamic Center of Irving
Shattiby Quran
Frisco Masjid Hifdh Program
Valley Ranch Masjid Hifdh Program
Colleyville Masjid Hifdh Program
IANT Quranic Academy
East Plano Islamic Center Hifdh Program
Abdul Haleem Quranic Institute

JUST A FEW OF THE UNIVERSITIES IN DFW

Texas A&M
Southern Methodist University
Dallas Baptist University
University of North Texas
University of Dallas
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas Southwestern
Texas Christian University

Dallas Baptist University

University of Texas at Dallas

Muslim Health Clinics
There are Muslim health clinics at some of the masajid. Plano and Richardson are a couple of thse masajid that currently have a clinic.

Youth Programs
Just about every masjid has some a youth program. In my area, Valley Ranch Masjid and the Islamic Center of Irving have youth program for the teenage boys. They are active and get together at least once a week. I see posts on Facebook for youth programs at various masajid all across the metroplex from Frisco over to Allen and from up in Plano down to South Arlington. It doesn't matter which area you move to, you just check the masjid in your area and you will find activities for the whole family.

"But what if we can not afford Islamic school tuition?"

CHARTER SCHOOLS

If private Islamic School is not your choice, or just not in the budget this year,  Harmony School of Innovation is another charter school that a lot Muslim parents opt to put their children in. Please note; this is only one of the charter schools that have a large Muslim population in them.

Harmony School of Innovation

Qalam Institute

ISLAMIC SCHOOLS FOR ADULTS

Qalam Collegiate Academy

Bayyinah Arabic School

Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research

Sheikh Omar Suleiman (Yaqeen Institute)

ACTIVE MASAJID AND DYNAMIC YOUTHFUL IMAMS

The DFW area has a surplus of dynamic Imams. You can easily look any of them up on Youtube or connect with them on Facebook to hear some of their lectures or seek for Islamic advice. We are so blessed to have their knowledge and expertise. Here are just a few of our friendly neighborhood imams.

Sheikh Abdul Nasir Jangda

Imam Zia Sheikh

Sheikh Yasir Birjas

Sheikh Hasan Khalil

Imam Shakib Abqari

Omar Suleiman

Imam Nick

Imam Mikaeel Smith

ZABIHA/HALAL RESTARAUNTS

For a list of zabiha/halal restaraunts in the area, check out this link. I can't even list a quarter of them here. There are several within walking distance on my block alone. A List of Zabiha/Halal Restaraunts in DFW

I will give you a few of my family's favorite Muslim owned and run zabiha restaraunts:

Subz N Stuff             

Kasbah Grill                       

Krispy Krunchy Chicken     

Chicago's Gourmet Pizza     

A-1 Burger                           

Our Place Indian Cuisine     

Hot N Spicy (Nepalese and IndoChinese)

Kasbah Grill

Kasbah Grill is not only my favorite place for Morroccan food, but they have this beautiful seating area that really makes you feel like you got away. Subz N Stuff hands down has the best subs in the state. When I was a kid, I lived in Queens and Manhatten so I know about good subs. I'm sure you'll love this place as much as I do. I call in my order an hour ahead sometimes because they stay very busy. A-1 Burger House has some of the best burgers; and that's saying a lot for Texas. The best part is, you know it's zabiha. If you want Indo/Pak food, we have so many options. Hot N Spicy on O'Connor and 183 is my favorite along with Our Place Indian Cuisine on MacArthur Blvd. You've got to try the butter chicken masalla (chicken makhani) and goat curries. Our Place is an award winning local favorite and in my opinion, has the best goat biryani I've ever had. Royal Sweets next to Hot N Spicy has my favorite potato samosas in town.

"Okay great, so what can we do to have fun in Dallas?"

Camping at Joe Pool Lake (DFW)

There is plenty to do if you're the active type. The DFW area has biking enthusiasts, trails to hike/bike, kayaking, camping, martial arts, museums, fishing, boating, ice skating, international cooking classes, sailboating,  and so much more.

There is so much more to say about the DFW area. I hope I've been thorough in addressing the main reasons so many Muslims you meet around the country are either dreaming of or planning to move to this area.
My advice is to come and visit. Grab a cheap ticket on Spirit Airlines and get hotel for a weekend. Check out the area. If you feel your family is not getting what they need from the Muslim community where you are, consider moving.




There are so many Muslim communities across this country that have a sizable Muslim population and a masjid but the community is stagnant due to inner-fighting, masjid politics or what have you.

One thing is for sure, a stagnant Muslim community is never due to a lack of desire to have activity. Make isthikharra and consider taking those desires in your soul to be part of a strong community and fully embrace you and your family's Islamic identity in DFW.

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