Featured image for "Is Islam Compatible with the U.S. Constitution?"—a Capitol Hill dialogue hosted by the Lamppost Education Initiative exploring Islam, Shariah, religious freedom, and the U.S. Constitution

At a time when public discussion about Islam is increasingly shaped by misunderstanding, political rhetoric, and growing hostility toward Islamic beliefs and practices, the need for thoughtful, informed public engagement has never been greater.

Across the United States, legislative efforts targeting Sharīʿah, persistent misconceptions about Islam, and increasingly polarized public discourse have made it essential for qualified Muslim scholars to engage these questions openly, confidently, and with intellectual rigor.

It was in this spirit that the Lamppost Education Initiative organized a rare and historic dialogue inside the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on June 23rd, 2026 in Washington, D.C., bringing one of the most important conversations facing Muslims today directly into the halls of American government.

Watch the Full Capitol Hill Dialogue

The following article provides the background behind this historic Capitol Hill dialogue, explaining why it was organized, the significance of the discussion, the scholars and participants involved, and the circumstances that made the event possible.

Rather than speaking only to audiences already sympathetic to Islam, we sought genuine engagement with those who have publicly criticized the faith.  
Invitations were extended to approximately thirty critics of Islam, along with other prominent commentators, academics, journalists, and public intellectuals representing a broad range of perspectives, inviting them to engage in an open, substantive, and intellectually honest discussion. While many expressed appreciation for the invitation, the overwhelming majority ultimately declined to participate. Nevertheless, the dialogue proceeded with those who accepted, resulting in a thoughtful and substantive exchange of ideas on one of the most important questions facing Muslims and Americans today.

The Lamppost Education Initiative believes that genuine dialogue requires knowledgeable participants willing to defend their ideas publicly, respectfully, and with intellectual honesty. Islam has never feared sincere inquiry, and difficult questions deserve thoughtful, evidence-based answers rather than slogans or ideological echo chambers.

In planning this event, we also had to consider the realities of today’s public climate. Because discussions involving Islam have become increasingly contentious in today’s political environment, we made the deliberate decision not to broadly publicize the event or announce the participants in advance. We were mindful that organized opposition to Islam could seek to pressure congressional offices or event organizers to cancel or disrupt the program before it took place. By limiting advance publicity until after the discussion had been successfully recorded, we sought to protect the opportunity for a meaningful and substantive exchange of ideas.
We are now pleased to publicly introduce the participants who made this dialogue possible. Moderator Mark Tooley President, Institute on Religion & Democracy
 
Panel Arguing that Islam Is Compatible with the U.S. Constitution:
Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali — Associate Professor, Zaytuna College
Shaykh Amin Kholwadia — Darul Qasim College
Ismail Royer — Religious Freedom Institute Panel
 
Presenting the Contrary Position Corey Walker — The Algemeiner
 
Mike Jones — Christian apologist and contributor to Inspiring Philosophy
Participants in the Capitol Hill dialogue following the conclusion of the event.
Although Robert Reilly, author of the influential and widely discussed book Closing the Muslim Mind, was ultimately unable to participate, the central arguments presented in his work remained at the heart of the discussion. Throughout the dialogue, the Lamppost Education Initiative’s Founding Director, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, carefully addressed Mr. Reilly’s metaphysical and theological claims concerning the alleged incompatibility of Islamic orthodoxy with Western civilization and constitutional government.
 
Holding this dialogue on Capitol Hill was itself significant. It reflected our conviction that conversations about Islam should not be confined to classrooms or community centers, but should also take place wherever public ideas are formed and public policy is debated. Muslims should participate confidently in these conversations by presenting Islam through qualified scholarship, sound reasoning, and principled engagement. 
 

Inside the Dialogue

The dialogue brought together Muslim scholars, Christian commentators, academics, journalists, congressional staff, students, and members of the public for more than two hours of thoughtful discussion concerning Islam, constitutional government, religious liberty, and the role of faith in the American public square. The atmosphere remained serious, respectful, and intellectually engaged throughout the event. 

Conclusion

The Capitol Hill dialogue demonstrated that serious public engagement on Islam is both possible and necessary. Rather than avoiding difficult questions or retreating into ideological echo chambers, our scholars entered the public square with confidence, scholarship, and principled conviction. The discussion showed that thoughtful disagreement, respectful dialogue, and intellectual honesty remain possible even on issues that are often marked by misunderstanding and polarization.

For the Lamppost Education Initiative, this event represents more than a single successful program. It reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing authentic Islamic scholarship into important public conversations and ensuring that qualified Muslim voices are present wherever ideas are debated and public policy is shaped.

We pray that this dialogue will encourage many more opportunities for meaningful engagement, deeper understanding, and respectful conversations grounded in knowledge, wisdom, and integrity.