Even in Muslim countries, applying shariah law is one the most controversial ways to merge religion and state. Shariah is an ancient Islamic legal code, roughly translated as “the path” or “the way.” In the West, we often associate shariah law with harsh punishments, like stonings or amputations. But millions of Muslims worldwide say they want it to govern their lives. So are we missing something? This interview first aired in 2008.
Noah Feldman, author of The Fall and Rise of the Islamic State