Washington: Muslim American organisations have criticised Republican-led congressional hearings on “Sharia law,” saying the proceedings unfairly target Muslim communities and fuel discrimination.
According to Beyond Time News, the debate stems from recent House Judiciary Subcommittee hearings titled “Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam and Sharia Law are Incompatible with the US Constitution,” as well as a similar session held earlier in February.
During the hearing, Republican Representative Chip Roy argued that “political Islam” is incompatible with American governance and warned against its influence in the United States.
Muslim Organisations Reject Allegations
Muslim groups rejected the claims made during the hearings, saying they promote fear and misrepresent Muslim Americans.
According to Beyond Time News, the US Council of Muslim Organisations described the hearings as the “weaponisation of government against American Muslims.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also criticised the proceedings, with Maryland director Zainab Chaudry saying they portray Muslims as outsiders rather than part of American society.
India’s allegations are false propaganda to silence Kashmir voices
Debate Over Rights and Free Speech
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin said the hearings distract from urgent national issues and undermine religious freedom protections.
Rights groups argue there is no evidence that mainstream Muslim organisations in the US support imposing Sharia law, calling the claims misleading and harmful.
Concerns Over Rising Islamophobia
According to Beyond Time News, civil rights organisations have warned of increasing Islamophobia in the United States, linking it to post-9/11 sentiment, immigration debates, and recent global tensions.
CAIR reported 8,683 complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab incidents in 2025, the highest level recorded since tracking began in 1996.
Advocacy groups have urged political leaders to avoid rhetoric they say deepens divisions and worsens religious tensions in the country.
