Fact Check: Did El-Sayed call for the implementation of Sharia law in the US?
DETROIT, MICHIGAN: Following the victory of Dr Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic Senate Primary, an allegation began circulating on social media platforms claiming that El-Sayed had called for the implementation of Sharia law in America. The claim has sparked concern and fear, with many calling for a fact-check.
Claim: Abdul El-Sayed advocated for Sharia laws
The rumor spread in the form of a video, claiming that El-Sayed was promoting the implementation of Sharia law in America, triggering speculation that Muslims are trying to take over the US government.
Sharia is the body of Islamic religious laws primarily based on the Islamic holy book, the Quran, and the words and actions of the Prophet Mohammad.
The clip was also shared by South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace, claiming it shows El-Sayed "clearly advocating for Sharia law in the US.”
Collectively, the video has garnered more than a million views, triggering criticism and conspiracy theories against the Democrat. Many believe the claim to be true, while a few others are skeptical and questioned the authenticity of the video, prompting a fact-check.
Fact Check: The claim is misleading
The claim, however, is misleading and does not show El-Sayed advocating for Sharia laws in America.
The clip is from an October 2022 event, where El-Sayed gave a speech at an awards banquet for the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
During the event, he criticised Oklahoma's 2010 State Question 755, a ballot proposal for a constitutional amendment that would require state courts to rely only on state and federal law and prevent them from considering Islamic law in deciding cases.
Although voters approved the proposal, it never took effect as Federal courts blocked the measure following a lawsuit by CAIR Oklahoma leader Muneer Awad, which found that it likely violated constitutional protections by singling out Islam.
Donald Trump attacks Abdul El-Sayed's victory
Following his electoral victory, El-Sayed received intense attacks, including from President Donald Trump, who said, “When I watch Abdul, he's full of s**t. Put him in office, you're going to find out what he loves."
"He doesn't love Israel. He doesn't love Jewish people. He hates them. He hates them with a passion that burns in his heart.”
Trump continued his rant on Truth Social, writing, “Wayne County (Detroit) in Michigan is one of the most corrupt voting areas in the United States, if not the World. It is strictly Third World! Miracles happen in Wayne County, including more votes being cast than there are voters, by a lot."
