Hannity Panel Clashes Over Radical Islam, 'Alarming' New Research: 'Pull Your Head Out of the Sand'

Photo Credit: Fox News

Television host Sean Hannity tackled radical Islam on Wednesday night, commenting about a new Pew Research poll that explores Muslims' views on a plethora of issues.

The study, which showed widespread support for shariah law, also delved into some more contentious issues like stoning adulterers, apostasy charges and other related themes. The findings led Hannity to conclude that "Islam is rising" and that the new research is "alarming.

"Islam is rising. An alarming new poll shows that large majorities in the Muslim world want shariah to become the law of the land," the host said at the opening of the show, going on to note his past prediction that "it's only a matter of time that the shariah law hits the shores of America."

Joining Hannity in debating the poll and its contents were radio host Bill Cunningham and Muslim activist Mike Ghouse. While Cunningham agreed with Hannity's assessment of the Pew findings, Ghouse attempted to frame the discussion by noting that many Muslims don't know about systems outside of the shariah realm. He seemed to argue that this limited worldview led to favorable ratings for Islamic law.

Hannity charged, though, that the Pew study's finer details prove that Ghouse's contention that a small minority of Muslims embrace troubling views may be incorrect. The host pointed out some statistics, noting that "suicide bombing got 40 percent support from the Palestinian territories." Hannity also said that the study proves he's been right about extremism.

"This Pew Research poll is a disaster for Muslims," Cunningham added.

At moments, the interview became contentious, with Hannity and the guests speaking over one another. At the end, Ghouse told the host, "Sean, you're being an alarmist here." And before that criticism was waged, Hannity issued a decry of his own, telling the Muslim activist, "You've got to pull your head out of the sand."

Watch the debate, below:

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