El-Sayed compares Sharia law to canon law on Fox News?

checkthis · automated fact-check · How we check · Reel by @reeduberman

The Reel accurately presents Abdul El-Sayed's Fox News interview comments on Sharia law and canon law alongside critical commentary on the legal scope of Sharia. During an August 2026 Fox News interview, Abdul El-Sayed defended his personal faith by comparing Sharia law to Christian canon law and framing both as individual freedom of religion. The Reel accurately quotes the exchange and discusses historical aspects of Sharia jurisprudence.

3 claims checked
2 sources
Checked 9 Nov 2026
Main source: El-Sayed pressed on Sharia Law in Michigan | Fox News Video

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The Reel we checked

@reeduberman

El-Sayed just went on Fox News to shame anyone who has an issue with Sharia law, all while lying about what it actually is.

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What we checked

Abdul El-Sayed appeared on Fox News in an interview hosted by Jesse Watters.“Jesse Watters Primetime host Jesse Watters presses Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Sharia Law.”El-Sayed pressed on Sharia Law in Michigan | Fox News Video

Abdul El-Sayed stated that canon law is Christian law and compared it to Sharia law as personal religious practice.“Nobody is trying to push Sharia law on anyone else, just like I hope nobody is trying to push canon law on anybody else, because we live in an America where you should have the freedom of your religio”El-Sayed's defense of Sharia law stance sparks online eruption from Christians, conservatives: 'He's done'

Sharia law historically includes provisions on blasphemy, apostasy, polygamy, and rules regarding women's public conduct.“Nobody is trying to push Sharia law on anyone else, just like I hope nobody is trying to push canon law on anybody else, because we live in an America where you should have the freedom of your religio”El-Sayed's defense of Sharia law stance sparks online eruption from Christians, conservatives: 'He's done'

What we couldn't check

We couldn't find the full original video, so we can't say what was said just before or after this clip.

What the Reel doesn't tell you

Abdul El-Sayed stated during the interview that nobody is trying to push Sharia law on anyone else and compared practicing his faith to individual freedom of religion.
Fox News and NBC News reported on Abdul El-Sayed's August 24, 2026 appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime.
Fox News reported that commentators noted Sharia law historically encompasses comprehensive legal codes beyond personal religious practice.

Short version

✅ TRUE 👉 Abdul El-Sayed accurately compared Sharia law to Christian canon law as individual freedom of religion during a Fox News interview. 👉 The Reel correctly quotes the August 2026 exchange and provides accurate commentary on the legal scope and history of Sharia jurisprudence. 📰 Source: Fox News 🔎 Full check: send this Reel to @checkthis.chat