1
Website Launch
Salman publishes a website, Behind Veils, in an effort to counter the malicious slander his ex-wife and Islamic speaker, Dunia Shuaib, has been spreading in the community and with organizations, in addition to the deceit and harm to the general community.2
Swatting Attack
The following day, Salman is awoken to a large group of police officers breaking into his home with force, being equipped with guns and shields. Shortly after arresting, they realize the call that was placed was fake, and release Salman. This was a coordinated swatting attack … retaliation for the website he published.3
Appeal to Leaders
Immediately after the police leave, he sends an urgent message and appeal to both Yaser Birjas and Omar Suleiman, who he has had a close and personal relationship with for well over a decade — in addition to them being the leaders of his community. Yaser refused to respond and Omar ended up responding days later, saying that he would look into it, but went radio silent.4
False Swatting Claims
Yaser Birjas claims he allegedly spoke with a police officer who stated that the swatting call came from Salman’s house — clearly inferring that the whole incident was staged. Additional reports from the community state they were told that Salman has mental issues and the incident was related to domestic issues.5
Security Targeting
Salman’s name and picture is circulated to the entire masjid security team and word starts to spread within the community. He is deemed as a possible threat. As a result, every time he comes to the masjid , he notices security guards staring him down. Another active masjid member mentions that texts are sent alerting security whenever he comes to the masjid.6
Detailed Timeline Video
Months later, Salman publishes a 2 hour long video detailing the timeline of events regarding his case, including character assassination and the swatting attack with vivid imagery of the police breaking into his home.7
Slander by Leadership
Omar Suleiman doubles down on the communication, and states to a notable community member (and security guard), that the police told them that Salman swatted himself. The false narrative and slander continues to spread within the community.8
VRIC Refusal to Cooperate
Salman emails the Valley Ranch Islamic Center requesting information and details in regards to the narrative (later proven to be LIES) spread that the police had relayed that Salman had swatted himself. VRIC refuses to cooperate and answer any questions.9
Call for Investigation
Salman publishes a video highlighting the refusal for VRIC leadership to cooperate. He calls for an immediate investigation to be launched with respect to his allegations. As a result, dozens and dozens of people around the world email the Valley Ranch Islamic Center demanding an investigation. VRIC leadership refuses to respond.10
Confrontation at GA Meeting
Salman attends a General Assembly meeting, calling out the lies and deception of Yaser Birjas. He once again demands an investigation. The BoD President, Sameer Syed, says that they already conducted an investigation, but provides no details. When Salman makes another appeal for an investigation, the BoT President, Ehap Sabri, agrees to answer the question if Salman forfeits the mic. Once he hands over the mic, he dismissively and rudely says “NO!”11
Exposing Leadership Scandals
Salman publishes another video … exposing the incident from the GA meeting, as well as Yaser Birjas’s secret marriage with a student of his. In addition, he calls out the disparaging comments made by one of the board members, Waleed Rahman, on a Facebook post.12
Private Meeting Stonewalling
The VRIC Board of Trustees reach out to Salman, inviting him to a private meeting. He is not allowed to have anyone accompany him and they refuse any request to bring an additional person, including his wife. In the meeting, they refuse to elaborate on any details regarding the slander that was spread. Ehab Sabri simply reiterates, requesting me to acknowledge “that our shaykh did not lie.”13
Additional Allegations of Wrongdoing
Three brothers — Dr. Abu Ayah of Yaqeen Institute, Dr. Abdullah, and Dr. Jamal — release videos on Behind Veils with allegations of lies, deceit, and wrongdoings by the Imām of VRIC, Yaser Birjas. The masjid refuses to address any allegations and chooses to remain silent and shield the imām.14
Dismissive BoT Meeting
Months later Salman and another prominent member in the DFW community attend an open meeting with the Board of Trustees. Despite telling members at previous GA meetings that they can attend the BoT meetings to discuss personal matters, they continue to deceive the public. Upon attending they only allowed each person to talk for two minutes and then provide an acknowledgment. They refuse to have any discussions on the issues.15
Racist Remarks Exposed
Salman releases a video of Omar Suleiman making derogatory, condescending, and racist comments about Desis (Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis, etc) and calls upon VRIC to address these new revelations. Many people in the community are enraged by these racist remarks, yet the masjid refuses to address it.16
Threats and Masjid Ban
The VRIC board emails Salman, in an effort to bully him with a threat and ultimatum — demanding he immediately takes down all videos and issues a public apology, otherwise, to face a ban from the masjid. Salman quickly responds asking for justification to their claims, yet the masjid REFUSES to respond. Two weeks later, Salman is BANNED from the masjid — not allowed to set foot on any of their premises or attend any events.17
Revealing Police Reports
Additional videos are released detailing the slander that was spread within the masjid, initiated by Yaser Birjas. It includes a recording of Birjas stating that he spoke with the police and they stated Salman called the police on himself. Salman shares police reports and testimony from Detective Parker of the Irving Police, stating he is not aware of any conversation with the imām from the department and that they would not have discussed the matters in an active investigation. He also shares a video of the intimidation and cursing by the imām’s son, Omar Birjas, against another kid in the community. In addition, he shares the shocking incident of Yaser Birjas’s 1st wife ripping off the hijab of his secret 2nd wife and physically kicking her out of the Valley Ranch masjid. The masjid refuses to hold them accountable, due to their association with the imām.18
Swatting Conspirator Confesses
Another video is shared with breaking news that the person who was hired to coordinate the swatting attack against Salman — confessed to the FBI of his crimes. Salman continues to work with the FBI and US Department of Justice, as his family has been officially identified as a victim of these swatting attacks. Despite the definitive, irrefutable, evidence-based proofs that Salman had no part in the swatting attacks, the masjid REFUSES to take action and REFUSES to hold Yaser Birjas accountable after being exposed for making up MALICIOUS LIES.