Escaping Islam: From Sharia Law to Freedom

Escaping Islam: From Sharia Law to Freedom

From Let's Talk Local by Sarah Zubiate Bennett

May 8, 2026 · 1h 49m · Episode 79

About this episode

Sarah Zubiate Bennett interviews individuals who escaped Islamic rule and are now living as Christians in America.

In the last episode of Let’s Talk Local , Sam Westrop shared his deep knowledge of Islam and Islamism, breaking down the sects, beliefs, and cultural framework behind the conversation. In this episode, Sarah continues that discussion by sitting down with individuals who have lived under Islamic rule and are now building new lives as Christians in America. Sheri Shamsi fled Iran in 2017 after realizing she could not raise her children under Sharia Law. Abteen Vaziri was born in Iran and lived around the world before eventually settling in Dallas, where he now works as an attorney and is active in politics. Aleksey Yusupov, who was born to a Christian mother, Muslim father, and Jewish grandmother, shares a powerful story of survival that includes witnessing executions for faith and narrowly escaping one himself. These are not secondhand perspectives. These are lived experiences. You heard the facts in the last episode. Now you will hear the stories behind them.

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Zubiate Bennett

Guests: Sheri Shamsi, Abteen Vaziri, Aleksey Yusupov

Topics covered

  • Islam
  • Sharia Law
  • Christianity
  • Personal Stories
  • Immigration
  • Cultural Experiences

Keywords

  • Islam
  • Sharia Law
  • Christianity
  • Iran
  • Immigration
  • Personal Stories
  • Cultural Framework
  • Survival
  • Faith

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Iran, America, Dallas

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