An engaging conversation between a Christian Pastor and a Muslim Imam, “Out of Context” is a 14 part Interview series answers pressing questions about Islam and gives valuable insight into the spirit of the faith.

In Part 5 of the interview with Dallas-based Pastor Mike Baughman, Imam Omar Suleiman gives the definitive word on the meaning of Sharia law and how it must be distinguished from Islamic penal code. Lamenting the fact that Muslims often have to distance themselves from terms that have been abused because they don’t have sufficient time to explain them, Suleiman begins by noting that linguistically, the word “sharia” in Arabic means “a path leading to water”. It does not refer to law per se, but refers to the idea of divine legislation. It is not synonymous with heads and hands flying off, nor is it synonymous with criminal law. While there is a component of…