In South Carolina, county officials have rejected permits for mosque construction due to concerns about infrastructure and transportation. Additionally, residents have expressed worries about the potential implementation of Islamic sharia law in their neighborhoods.
The Lancaster County Council denied a permit for a mosque on Harrisburg Road, after Alafas Mohammad, representing Waxlan Investments LLC, requested a conditional use permit following his property purchase in January, as reported by Queen City News.
Wilfredo Rivera and his family, who live next to the proposed site, mentioned that they were not informed about the mosque plans. Rivera noted that the area already experiences heavy traffic, leading him to consider selling his home after learning about the mosque.
Another neighbor remarked, “We don’t think it’s a good idea to put a mosque there,” citing issues with the narrow roads that could exacerbate traffic problems, according to WCNC.
During the City Council meeting on May 11, residents articulated their apprehensions.
“I strongly oppose the construction of a mosque at 10935 Harrisburg Road for a variety of reasons,” one neighbor stated. “The foundation of our country rests on Judeo-Christian values, and while we’re taught to love our neighbors, many Islamic beliefs seem at odds with this.” She went on to reference a quote from the Quran, stating, “‘Wage war against the infidels who live in your neighborhood.'” There was also speculation about the possibility of sharia law being taught at the mosque, which she noted has been banned by the U.S. president.
When asked to remain on topic, she insisted, “This isn’t just about a place of worship. This is not about religion; Islam is more of a hijacking. If you’ve done any research, you’ll see it too.”
An additional resident chimed in, “We don’t want Islamic law in this area.”
In 2016, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed legislation that prohibited sharia law from being recognized in state courts, as noted by Breitbart News.
Sharia law is derived from the Quran and other Islamic writings, regulating religious practices as well as social norms that include marriage, child-rearing, and responses to crimes. Critics argue it undermines the rights of women and non-Muslims.
Recently, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina) expressed concerns about sharia law during an interview, emphasizing the abuses faced by women, including child marriages. He labeled it as a violent system unsuitable for America, especially given its increasing prevalence in Europe.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) also stated that he plans to introduce legislation to protect Americans from sharia law, claiming it conflicts with the core values of Western civilization rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs.
