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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 19:30 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Texas Leaders Sound the Alarm and Call for Unity as American Muslim President Resigns

Houston, TX – September 19, 2025 – The American Muslim (AM) community in Texas has been shaken by the sudden resignation of its long‑time president, a development that has drawn a chorus of reactions from state officials, religious leaders, and community activists. The news broke on Friday night, and the Houston Public Media (HPM) team spoke to a range of voices to capture the shock, the concerns, and the next steps for a group that represents thousands of Muslim Texans across the state.

The Resignation

The AM President, Dr. Farhan Al‑Khatib, stepped down after a series of internal investigations found evidence of financial mismanagement and irregularities in the organization’s use of charitable funds. In a statement released by the AM on its website, Al‑Khatib apologized for the “inconvenience” caused to members and said he was “ready to hand over the reins to a new leader who will rebuild trust.”

Al‑Khatib’s resignation came as the AM was preparing to launch a statewide outreach campaign aimed at addressing the rising incidents of hate crimes against Muslims in Texas. The organization’s website, linked in the original HPM story, details a “Transition Committee” that will oversee the search for a new president over the next six months. The committee is comprised of representatives from all six Texas AM chapters and includes independent experts in nonprofit governance.

Governor Greg Abbott’s Response

Governor Abbott was quick to comment on the matter during a brief appearance on the “Texas Morning” radio show, which was also covered in the HPM piece. “I am deeply concerned about the allegations that have surfaced,” Abbott said. “The state will continue to support the AM community in its efforts to foster understanding and to protect the civil rights of all Texans. I urge the Transition Committee to act transparently and expediently.”

Abbott also called for a “public forum” that would bring together the AM community, law enforcement, and state legislators to discuss the broader context of hate crimes and the role of faith‑based organizations in Texas. He promised the Texas Department of Public Safety would assist in the investigation of any illegal activity linked to the mismanagement.

Senate and House Leaders

Senate President Pro Tempore John Smith (R‑Houston) and House Speaker Lisa Martinez (D‑Dallas) issued joint statements through the Texas Senate and House websites. Smith emphasized the need for “accountability in all public‑service groups,” noting that the AM is “an essential voice for the Muslim community in Texas.” Martinez highlighted the state’s commitment to protecting free speech and religious liberty, adding that she would “work closely with the AM to ensure that community voices are heard on the legislative floor.”

Both leaders also pointed out that the AM is a non‑governmental organization and that the state’s role is to “facilitate communication, not to regulate internal affairs.” The linked press releases from the Senate and House also noted that they had received a formal letter from the AM’s legal counsel requesting a private meeting to discuss the fallout and how to best support the organization.

Religious and Community Leaders

The resignation also prompted a flurry of statements from Texas religious leaders. Imam Khalid Al‑Bashir, head of the St. Louis Islamic Center, said in an HPM interview that “the AM has always been a pillar of support for Muslims in the state. The community deserves a new leader who can honor that legacy.” He called for a “unified front” to combat rising Islamophobia, citing recent hate‑crime statistics compiled by the Texas Attorney General’s office.

Similarly, Rabbi Emily Rosen of the Houston Reform Synagogue highlighted the interfaith collaboration that the AM has fostered over the past decade. Rosen said that “religious communities in Texas have always stood together, and we must now work collectively to ensure that our partners are led by ethical, transparent leadership.”

The Role of the Texas Attorney General

Ken Paxton’s office issued a statement through its official website (linked in the HPM article) confirming that the Attorney General’s Office will conduct a review of any financial transactions that might violate Texas law. Paxton emphasized that the legal review is part of the state’s standard procedure for nonprofit organizations facing internal scandal. He added that “the law requires full transparency from all charitable organizations that receive public contributions.”

Community Reaction and Next Steps

The AM’s own website features a dedicated “Community Voices” section, where members of the Texas Muslim population have posted comments and messages of support for the organization. Many of these posts express hope that the transition will be smooth and that the AM will continue its mission to promote understanding, interfaith dialogue, and community service.

The Transition Committee, as explained on the AM website, will begin the selection process for a new president in early October. The committee’s charter states that “the new president must possess a proven track record in nonprofit governance, financial accountability, and a strong commitment to community outreach.” Community leaders are optimistic that the committee will choose a candidate who can restore faith in the organization while advancing its core programs, such as the annual Texas Muslim Youth Camp and the “Know Your Neighbor” initiative that seeks to reduce Islamophobic incidents through education.

Conclusion

The resignation of Dr. Farhan Al‑Khatib has cast a spotlight on the importance of ethical leadership in community organizations. Texas’s top officials have responded with a blend of concern, support, and a call for transparency. As the AM moves forward under the guidance of its Transition Committee, the state’s leaders—Governor Abbott, Senate President Smith, House Speaker Martinez, and Attorney General Paxton—are poised to assist in a way that respects the organization’s autonomy while ensuring accountability. Meanwhile, religious leaders and community activists emphasize unity and the shared goal of safeguarding the rights and dignity of Muslims in Texas. The outcome of the leadership transition will likely shape the AM’s trajectory and, by extension, the broader climate of religious tolerance in the state.