Iranian media has reported that Global Muslim Brotherhood leader Youssef Qaradawi has ruled that shooting demonstrators is forbidden. According to the report:
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) – Head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Yousef al-Qaradawi supported anti Mubarak demonstration in Egypt and announced shooting to the demonstrators is taboo. He asked soldiers not to obey their bosses and not to shoot innocent people in demonstrations against the Government. “No doubt what happened in Tunisia was a big lesson for Egypt and other Arab Nations,” Sheikh Yousef al-Qaradawi underlined as added,” what happened in this country (Tunisia) should happen in other countries and people should get their rights and freedom.” “People in Egypt came to the streets and no one abetted them to demonstrate against their government,” the head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars underscored.
Qaradawi, a virulent anti-Semite 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.
Qaradawi recently reiterated his support for suicide bombing in Israel and expressed his desire to die as a martyr “at the hands of a non-Muslim.”
To see all GMBDW coverage of developments, go here.
For GMBDW coverage on the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, go here.