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Yusuf al-Qaradawi is a modern Muslim scholar known for his facilitative opinions. Qaradawi was born in Egypt, and attended the Al-Azhar Theological Seminary before moving to Qatar. He is now the Dean of the Sharia (Islamic Law) college at Qatar University. Qaradawi is known for his intellect, and use of non-Muslim sources such as Will Durant's "History of the World" and proverbial poetry. He is best known for his book "The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam" which is criticized for having unreliable opinions by some, and praised for its modernity by others. Qaradawi is a poet, jurist, and intellectual. Some of his books such as "The Tyrant and the Scholar" are poetic Islamic plays expressing a message through theme. Other works such as "Fiqh-al-Zakat" (Laws of the Obligatory Charity) are Islamic law treatises which go into percise details. Qaradawi is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, and has turned down offers to be the Muslim Brotherhood leader various times. Qaradawi is the head of the European Council for Fatwa and Research.
Some Wahhabi and Salafi Muslims claim Qaradawi is a heretic, deviated scholar, and wicked jurist because of his easier more facilitative opinions. Most Wahhabis and Salafis see Qaradawi's teachings as too lax.
Some mainstream Sunni scholars such as Nuh Ha Mim Keller respect Qaradawi and his opinions but find them to be unreliable.
The general consensus of Sunni Muslims strongly respect the opinion of Yusuf al-Qaradawi, this is especially true of American Muslims.
As Qaradawi has stated a number of times that in the case of conflicting fatwas, a Muslim must follow the fatwa that his true conscience believes is closer to the truth.
Many Wahhabis/Salafis who agree with al-Albanee have attacked Qaradawi, using the words "wicked muftee (jurist)" and others. In their view, Qaradawi's opinions are sometimes even un-Islamic. Other Wahhabis or Salafis who agree with al-Albanee do not attack Qaradawi, and respectfully disagree with his opinions.
One major point of conflict between Qaradawi and the Wahhabis or Salafis is the statement by Qaradawi:
"The enmity that is between us and the Jews is for the sake of land only, not for the sake of the religion..." (al-Ummah al-Islaamiyyah Haqeeqa, Laa Wahm p.70). Many Wahhabis or Salafis believe that there is enmity between the Muslims and Jews for the sake of religion.
Another point of conflict is Qaradawi's opinion of the lawfulness of music and art. Many Wahhabis and Salafis believe that music and art are unlawful, even if Islamic music and art.
Qaradawi's other initiative is the curbing of Female Genital Mutilation in Africa. On Feburary 7th 2004, the International Day Against Female Genital Mutiliation, Qaradawi stated "Muslim countries differ over the issue of female circumcision; some countries sanction it whereas others do not. Anyhow, it is not obligatory... whoever chooses not to do it is not considered to have committed a sin"
Opinions on Qaradawi
Qaradawi's Religous Edicts (Fatwas)
Yusuf al-Qaradawi has made many religious edicts throughout his life. Qaradawi is known for edicts which do not compromise Islam's principles and are yet still compatible with everyday life. Bearing in mind the religion of Islam has no clergy system, edicts or fatwas are only opinions and not law.Attacks on Qaradawi from Wahhabis/Salafis
The late Sheikh al-Albanee, a Wahhabi/Salafi scholar whom Qaradawi was friends with personally did not agree with Qaradawi's stance that photography and pictures were lawful. al-Albanee wrote the book "The Islamic Ruling on Tasweer (pictures)" with his arguments in a response to Qaradawi's ruling. Dispite their differing opinions, al-Albanee and Qaradawi never attacked each other and maintained friendship.Qaradawi's New Initiatives
Qaradawi has been involved in 2 seperate major initiatives at the start of 2004. The first being threatening to take international legal action againstFrance if the proposed hijab (or Muslim headscarf) ban in public schools takes affect. Qaradawi has sent a letter to President Chirac saying "Mr. President, we have felt resentful over your considering Hijab is aggression on others. It is just worn out of commitment to religious principles, no more, no less."Books by Qaradawi online
Sheikh al-Qaradawi's Websites
Anti-Qaradawi Opinions
Qaradawi]
Resources