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As Texas changes in its demographics, much of the focus is frequently given to the increased Hispanic population, but another trend is also emerging: a sharp increase in the Muslim population.
Getting a firm figure is difficult, since the law forbids the U.S. Census Bureau from mandating that citizens cite religious affiliations. But according to the Texas Almanac, in 1990 the Islamic population was estimated at 140,000 in Texas. More recently that figure has grown to a range of 350,000 to 400,000.
That gives Texas the eighth-largest Muslim population of U.S. states. While most Muslims are concentrated in the urban centers (Harris, Dallas and Tarrant counties report the largest population of Muslims), there are growing, smaller pockets in suburban and even rural areas. Denton County, for instance, partly Dallas suburbs and partly rural, was listed by the Association of Religious Data Archives (ARDA) as having one of the highest percentage concentrations of Muslims.
Nationally, the estimated figure of Muslims ranges from 3 to 7 million, and Cornell University projects a 6 percent annual growth rate, with most of the influx coming from Muslim immigrants to the U.S. and not the few American converts.
“Islam is no longer an ‘over there’ thing,” said Afshin Ziafat, a national Christian speaker who was born in the U.S. to Iranian Muslim parents. “We see thousands of mosques being built, Islamic centers and schools, right here,” he said at a conference in Austin last month.
Ziafat lives in the Houston area, which according to ARDA, has the highest number of Texas Muslims.
“I don’t think there is a widespread conversion to Islam. Most of the growth is from immigrants. But there is, especially after 9/11, a swing for people to be much more accommodating toward the religion.”
Chad Vandiver, an SBTC church planting consultant, grew up on the mission field and has had a heart for reaching Muslims since he was 8 years old. Vandiver suggests witnessing to Muslims should begin with prayer for a specific people group. Also, identify the possibilities of reaching the group by exploring where they work, play, and live.
Another important way of witnessing is praying with Muslims and allowing God to open doors through answering those prayers.
“As immigrants they are very accepting of Americans; they know that the culture is different. But still, you should ask permission to pray for them,” Vandiver said.
By genuinely showing concern for their souls and their everyday life needs, you will see God open a door to offer up prayer.
In addition to the curiosity about Islam following 9/11, another contributing factor to sympathy towards Islam is the increasing dissatisfaction with the handling of the war in Iraq.
“Muslims are ostracized in America and especially in Texas. They are interested in sharing their faith with you and Christians should be genuinely interested. As they share, you will have an ‘Aha’ moment and you’ll see something that doesn’t make sense. That’s when you will be able to share Christ.
“As soon as you reach that level of trust, you can share as soon as possible,” Vandiver added. “It may take a month or five years, the important thing is to model Christian behavior before them. They are always watching how you interact with your children and your spouse.”
Do’s and Don’ts in Witnessing to Muslims
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