Yusuf Qaradawi

Born in Egypt in 1926: the spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and a leading Islamic scholar, regarded as a moderate conservative by many Muslims, a dangerous radical by Western critics and too lax by radical Muslim opponents. Family background: brought up by an uncle, his relatives urged him to become a carpenter or run a grocery store. Education: Al- Azhar university in Cairo. Best known for: television appearances on al- Jazeera and his involvement in the Qatarbased website IslamOnline. Banned from a number of countries, including the US. Has criticised the London bombings but justified suicide bombing in the Middle East and even the killing of Israeli women and children. Critics claim he also endorses the “ light” beating of disobedient wives by their husbands and the execution of male homosexuals and apostates. Sayings: “ Israeli women are not like women in our society because Israeli women are militarised. Secondly, I consider this type of martyrdom operation as an indication of the justice of Allah Almighty. “ “ Allah is just — through his infinite wisdom he has given the weak what the strong do not possess and that is the ability to turn their bodies into bombs like the Palestinians do. Islamic theologians and jurisprudents have debated this issue, referring to it as a form of jihad under the title of ‘ jeopardising the life of the mujaheed’ ( fighter).” “ It is allowed to jeopardise your soul and cross the path of the enemy and be killed if this act of jeopardy affects the enemy, even if it only generates fear in their hearts, shaking their morale, making them fear Muslims. If it does not affect the enemy then it is not allowed.” ( Interview with BBC 2’ s Newsnight, July 7, 2004.)