A Story of Disappointment and Resilience: Syed Hussain’s Defiant Stand in Murphy

Following a dispute over city-imposed fees and allegations made during public meetings, the president of the Islamic Association of Murphy addresses questions of inclusivity and community relations.

“Very disappointing moment for me.” With these words, Syed Osman Hussain, developer and President of the Islamic Association of Murphy (IAM), describing recent events involving the city’s handling of a development dispute.

In April 2024, Syed Osman Hussain found himself at the center of a contentious issue: the city imposed a $392,243 fee for repairing 518 feet of McMillen Road, a cost tied to the construction of a new mosque by IAM.

As a nonprofit, IAM’s mission is to serve the community, and Hussain argued that it was unjust for the city to demand such a fee from an organization dedicated to public good.

But the road repair dispute was only the beginning. In an email sent to the Murphy Mayor, Council members, and City staff, Hussain detailed a deeper pain—one rooted in personal attacks and public slander.

“I would like to bring to everyone’s attention that in the last Council meeting of January 20th, my character was assassinated by a few individuals who told complete lies and slandered me,” he wrote.

The accusations suggested that his development, Oasis Springs, was a segregated community, and that he had refused to sell lots to certain buyers based on their background.

Hussain refuted these claims with conviction: “I am a businessman and a seller. I don’t look at a buyer’s background (race, religion, national origin, etc.) when I sell.” He emphasized that 15-20 buyers from diverse backgrounds had contacted him, but none had made a bona fide offer. “This issue is undermining my credibility and integrity as a developer and as an honest person,” he lamented.

To further prove his commitment to inclusivity, Hussain pointed to public records. In a City Council meeting on November 20th, 2021, he declared, “This is open for everyone. It’s going to be on First Come First Serve basis.”

Again, in August 2023, he reiterated, “We will give it on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone.” These statements, captured on video, stand as evidence of his open-door policy.

Hussain’s actions matched his words. He honored his commitment to involve local real estate professionals, signing contracts and ensuring that marketing efforts reached the entire Murphy community.

“She will be involved in my other projects as well,” he noted, referencing his collaboration with Mary Pat.

Despite the controversy, Hussain remained steadfast. “There are four lots available in the market right now at Oasis Springs, owned by different lot owners. I am willing to sell my own lot at Oasis Springs to that guy who slandered me, or if any of you want, please let me know.” He investigated claims of discrimination among other lot owners and found them baseless: “The answer was ‘No’. This claim—that Muslims are refusing to sell property to non-Muslims—is false,” Hussain said. “It’s a serious accusation that has no basis.”

The attacks extended beyond property sales. Hussain alleged that some social media commentary amounted to a “preplanned attack on Islam and the Muslim community,” which he believes is unfounded and harmful.

Hussain called for unity: “We want our leadership to bring everyone on one platform based on unity, mutual harmony, and appreciation of differences, to achieve common goals with compassion, kindness, and justice.”

Throughout his career, Hussain has worked closely with city staff and has adhered to all applicable rules and regulations. He expects the same respect in return.

“I have been professional all these years… I expect the city to treat me the same way.” His plea to the council was simple yet profound: “I humbly request council, especially the leadership of Scott Bradley, to protect my sanctity as statements presented without any evidence. I request that Mayor Bradley or any council member have a meeting with me to stop this hate and misinformation.”

In the face of adversity, Syed Osman Hussain stands as a resilient leader, advocating for inclusivity, justice, and unity in Murphy. Hussain maintains his commitment to working with the community and city officials to resolve the matter.

Multiple requests for comment were sent to Mayor Bradley’s office, but no response was received by the time of publication.