How DFW’s Muslim Community is Helping Shape a Stronger North Texas

Mubashir Faruqi

Dallas–Fort Worth, TX – Tucked between the tech corridors of Plano, the cultural diversity of Irving, and the serene suburbs of Frisco and McKinney, a quiet but profound impact is taking root in North Texas. It’s the story of the DFW Muslim community- families who came seeking opportunity and now stand among the Metroplex’s most engaged and active contributors, entrepreneurs, and neighbors.

From Growth to Giving, A Community Rooted in Service

Since 2005, the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area has seen its population more than double. Alongside that growth, the Muslim community has expanded proportionately—now numbering in the tens of thousands across Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties. But this growth isn’t just demographic—it’s cultural, civic, and deeply values-driven. At the heart of this community lies a tradition of giving and volunteerism.

Mosques as Community Anchors

Across North Texas, mosques have evolved into vibrant hubs of civic life. More than just places of worship, they are critical institutions that foster public service, neighborhood well-being, and interfaith collaboration.

In Plano, both the West Plano Center (IACC) and the East Plano Center (EPIC) support over 3,000 families and host one of Collin County’s largest food pantries, while also supporting year-round volunteer mobilization. EPIC and IACC’s services extend far beyond their congregations— from school supply drives to providing shelter and meals during extreme weather events.

In Richardson, the Islamic Association of North Texas (IANT) runs a free medical clinic, a full-time K–12 academy, and an expansive interfaith program.

Valley Ranch Islamic Center (VRIC) and the Islamic Center of Irving (ICI) regularly partner with churches, synagogues, and city organizations on initiatives ranging from hunger relief to refugee resettlement.

Equally impactful mosques in Frisco, McKinney, and Allen offer classes, career readiness workshops, and youth mentorship. In South Dallas, Masjid Al-Islam and Irving Masjid lead racial equity programs, housing advocacy, and neighborhood revitalization efforts in historically underserved areas.

Collectively, in just the past year, DFW mosques have distributed over $5 million in local charity, impacting tens of thousands of lives across lines of faith, ethnicity, and income. Their work supports local hospitals, food banks, schools, and families in crisis—offering help to all with both dignity and hope.

Economic Contributions That Benefit Everyone

The DFW Muslim community’s economic footprint is as significant as it is underrecognized. Since 2010, Muslim-owned businesses and investments have generated thousands of jobs and provided critical services across North Texas.

In cities like Plano and Richardson, Muslim-led tech startups, financial firms, and IT Consultancies fuel the region’s innovation economy. In Frisco, McKinney, and Irving, community-based businesses—from halal markets and urgent care clinics to boutique law offices—have created not only economic opportunities for all, but also culturally inclusive spaces that reflect the Metroplex’s diversity.

Conservative estimates place the number of jobs created by Muslim-owned businesses in the region in the thousands. These span industries such as healthcare, logistics, real estate, education, and hospitality, and contribute millions of dollars in local and state taxes annually.

In the last five years, Muslim philanthropists and entrepreneurs have directed millions of dollars into urban development, business, and education, including the establishment of business incubators, schools, and community centers that serve as shared assets for all residents.

At a time when division often makes headlines, DFW stands apart—with a thriving model of shared prosperity, inclusive growth, and strong community spirit. As North Texas rises as a cultural and economic powerhouse, the DFW Muslim community is not just participating— It is actively contributing to this progress. Through a quiet strength and a commitment to good, they are helping build a future defined by inclusion, opportunity, and shared success.

· Mr. Faruqi is a Senior Technology Professional and a resident observer of the DFW community for the last 2 decades.