For the video of this podcast please click here.

In a recent exchange with Jesse Watters, Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed compared Sharia law to Christian canon law, arguing that Muslims should simply be free to practice their faith just as Christians practice theirs.1

But are Sharia and Christian canon law really comparable?

In this episode of Hank Unplugged, Hank Hanegraaff examines that claim and explains the fundamental differences between Sharia, Christian canon law, and the Mosaic law of the Old Testament. He considers the scope of Sharia as a comprehensive system governing religious, political, social, and private life; the historical and theological purpose of Mosaic law; and the Christian understanding that the Mosaic covenant finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Hank also looks at the contemporary application of Sharia in nations such as Brunei and explains why understanding what Sharia actually teaches and how it functions matters enormously in the modern world.

This is Part One of Hank’s examination of Sharia law. In the next episode, he turns specifically to the impact of Sharia on women.

For a more comprehensive treatment, see Hank Hanegraaff’s MUSLIM: What You Need to Know About the World’s Fastest Growing Religion.

  1. “El-Sayed GRILLED: ‘I Don’t Think You’re Very Good at Math’” Jesse Watters Primetime, Fox News video, 25:25, August 24, 2026, relevant discussion at 10:56–13:40, https://youtu.be/9j0e6Ur7S6g?si=HWkda5fqfZI0snQD&t=656.

Dig Deeper with Hank Unplugged — Hank Unplugged is a podcast brought to you by the Christian Research Institute, where Hank Hanegraaff takes you beyond the sound bites and into thoughtful, in-depth explorations of the critical issues confronting Christians today. Drawing on Scripture, history, theology, and culture, Hank equips listeners to think Christianly about the questions that matter most and to contend for “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

  • Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.
  • Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.
  • You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.