6 OctOber 16 - 22, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents and eager to return to EPIC following their return. Thurman says the social media frenzy has nothing to do with Abbott’s tirade, but EPIC leaders note the timelines are fairly coincidental. “Our presence at EPIC mosque was not political, nor a reaction to any governor’s statement,” Thurman said in an email filled with mentions of more than 20 Bible verses. “We preach the Gospel at many locations such as stadiums, festivals, streets, temples, and mosques alike. Our mission is consistent worldwide: to call all people everywhere to repentance and faith in Christ (Acts 17:30). We do not protest people; we proclaim the Savior who died and rose again.” The resident scholar says he isn’t too bothered by the Testimonies of God. He rec- ognized their fundamental right to speak on public property is just as fundamental as his own right to be a Muslim man. But he wishes they did it just a little bit quieter. “Have they had any success anywhere in the world with that type of tactic?” said Qa- dhi. “I can’t imagine that works, but if that’s what they want to do, it’s their constitu- tional right, and we’re not asking for that to be taken, but I just would like to know why this sentiment exists in the first place.” Qadhi and Khan say that the protesters have been invited into the mosque several times. Both men are eager to welcome the group into their place of worship, not for conversion, but for conversation. “It’s a lot of hatred coming for no reason and a lot of misunderstanding,” said Qadhi. “I would love to dialogue with them. I would love to engage with them and even have a debate. But to believe that it’s an effective mechanism of your time to stand outside a place of worship during their peak time and stand in front of the cars, I don’t under- stand.” Khan says the protestors have so far re- fused to step inside the mosque. Thurman says they’ve never received a formal invite from EPIC’s official leaders. Qadhi says he’ll be waiting for the group’s return, and asked the Observer to relay the invitation to Testi- monies of God. Thurman said he’s not inter- ested in going in anytime soon. And the police say there’s not much they can do about the guys yelling on the lawn. On their first arrival, Testimonies of God was issued a citation for criminal trespass- ing by the Plano Police Department. Now they’re extra careful about where they stand, and keep their decibel right under the city ordinance level, they say. “We do not enter mosques or participate in interfaith events because our mission is evangelistic, not ecumenical,” said Thur- man. “... We use microphones so that all who pass by can hear clearly, yet we make every effort to be reasonable, respectful, and com- pliant with local laws… The message of the cross was never meant to remain inside walls; it belongs in the hearing of the world.” But by now, EPIC has lawyers on speed dial, and their representation has filed a law- suit against Thurman, Testimonies of God, Heritage Grace Community Church and the revolving door of unidentified John Does who join the protests. The lawsuit alleges that Testimonies of God and affiliated par- ties are violating the Plano’s noise ordi- nances. EPIC leaders understand their hands are tied when it comes to the protes- tors going away, but maybe they can try to keep it down. “Not only does this activity constitute a nuisance, but it also violates the City of Pla- no’s noise ordinance in a manner plainly de- signed to disrupt Plaintiff’s exercise of their faith pursuant to ongoing religious ser- vices,” reads the lawsuit filed in a Collin County District Court. “To date, Defendants have refused to voluntarily cease their of- fending, nuisance-producing behavior, thus necessitating this suit for declaratory and in- junctive relief.” Is This What Jesus Would Do? The invitation for cookies and conversation stands. EPIC leaders and attendees would be happy to dispel some of the bigoted rumors about their faith, starting with the notion of a “Sharia city.” “The only one who talks about Sharia law is Abbott,” said Khan, who identifies as a conservative Muslim, but acknowledged EPIC is made up of an incredibly diverse body. “We, in our mosque, don’t even bring that up. What are you talking about? It [Sharia law] doesn’t make any sense to me. I’m learning this from non-Muslims.” Khan and Qadhi emphasize that there are limited differences between Muslims and Christians, and perhaps the biggest dif- ference the protestors are focused on is the color of their skin. “I think the framework of what they’re saying is ‘If you’re not white and you’re not evangelical in Texas, why are you here?’” said Khan. Qadhi is similarly worried about what one negative reaction posted online would mean for his entire community. “It’s sad, and if God forbid something happens, I don’t believe that every person [of the same] skin color, or face of or faith of that person should be held accountable,” said Qadhi. Both men agree that, at the end of the day, the Testimonies of God, though an in- convenient nuisance, are ultimately doing harm to their own community. “They’re wasting their time and they’re bringing about a nuisance, and if I am bru- tally honest, I think they’re actually giving a very bad impression of their faith to peo- ple that don’t know Christianity that well,” said Qadhi. “If they really wanted to proselytize, which is part of this country’s fabric, we know no problem. Proselytize with love, proselytize the way, I would ex- pect Jesus would’ve done, which is with true kindness and compassion and not by causing confusion and saying dirty or nasty things.” We asked Testimonies of God if this is what Jesus would do. They said yes. They also said they “love [their] Muslim neigh- bors,” and from their perspective, they say they “maintain respectful dialogue when- ever possible and treat everyone with dig- nity, even when met with hostility. Our desire is to see Muslims and all people rec- onciled to the God in whom they have of- fended with their life of sin.” Qadhi, though saddened to be sur- rounded by hate, says that the protestors are just the sheep following the shepherding of the head of the state, and that the real fault falls on the man who put such a large target on their backs. “People of dignity and respect should actively engage in quelling such senseless hostilities in order to prevent potential vio- lence,” he said. “That’s what I firmly be- lieve, and I am flabbergasted that people don’t understand, but words from powerful people will translate into actions from powerless people.” ▼ EDUCATION KIRK COMPLAINTS SOME LOCAL DISTRICTS ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR FACULTY SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS BY EMMA RUBY The Texas Education Agency has received more than 350 complaints against teachers accused of making inappropriate or insensi- tive comments following the Sept. 10 death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, the agency has announced. The TEA recently released a list of the 124 school districts where an employee is under investigation, 22 of which are in North Texas. The agency has not stated how many educators are being probed or how many employees per district have drawn complaints. Still, for several North Texas districts, last week’s announcement likely came as a shock. The Observer contacted the 22 local school districts identified by the agency as the employers of teachers or staff mem- bers who were subjects of complaints. Seven districts responded to our inquiry, and four of them — the Allen, Keller, Mes- quite and Richardson independent school districts — stated that TEA had not con- tacted them regarding an investigation into an employee. “We are not aware of any Mesquite ISD teacher currently under investigation by TEA for comments made about the death of Charlie Kirk,” a spokesperson from Mes- quite ISD said. “If a MISD staff Mike Brooks EPIC mosque has been hearing from Christians attempting to convert its members. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Charlie Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA, speaks before former President Donald Trump’s arrival during a Turning Point USA Believers Summit conference. Unfair Park from p4 >> p10
