MEMRI has published a translation of Global Muslim Brotherhood leader Youssef Qaradawi’s recent statements on political issues. From the introduction to the report:
Sheikh Yousef Al-Qaradhawi, head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), has recently voiced his opinion on various political issues, especially the Palestinian cause, claiming that the only way to liberate the occupied lands is through resistance. He called on Muslims to wage jihad of self-sacrifice, adding that those who are unable to do so should to take up other forms of jihad. He also criticized the Arab leaders for stubbornly clinging to the political process in general and to Arab peace initiatives specifically, which he claimed had achieved minimal results. Al-Qaradhawi praised Turkey for its contribution in the Gaza flotilla, and Mauritania for severing its ties with Israel.
Following are excerpts from some of his recent statements: read the rest here.
Youssef Qaradawi is often referred to here as the most important leader of the global Muslim Brotherhood, an acknowledgement of his role as the de facto spiritual leader of the movement. In 2004, Qaradawi turned down the offer to lead the Egyptian Brotherhood after the death of the Supreme Guide. Based in Qatar, Sheikh Qaradawi has reportedly amassed substantial wealth through his role as Shari’ah adviser to many important Islamic banks and funds. He is also considered to be the “spiritual guide” for Hamas and his fatwas in support of suicide bombings against Israeli citizens were instrumental in the development of the phenomenon. A recent post has discussed a video compilation of Qaradawi’s extremist statements.
Previous posts have reported on the pivotal role played by the Global Muslim Brotherhood in the Gaza flotilla.