Al-Qaradawi Calls Egypt’s New Constitution Dead
In remarks published on his official website, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi called the country’s constitution dead, Al-Bilad daily reported.
“I call upon all Egyptians everywhere not to take part in the referendum. This referendum is void as the government that has drafted the constitution is illegal,” he was quoted as saying.
Al-Qaradawi also described the Egyptian army as corrupt and urged Egyptians to stand up against oppressors.
The controversial Sheikh who currently resides in Qatar had previously issued a Fatwa saying that participation in the referendum is Haram (religiously forbidden).
He argued that participation in the referendum or any other action that leads to the enhancement of the current Egyptian government is collaboration in sin and is, therefore, Haram.
Egypt prepares to hold a nationwide referendum on the new constitution. The 247-article draft constitution was completed in December by a 50-member assembly selected by the army-backed interim government.
A number of Al-Azhar scholars have criticized Al-Qaradawi for issuing the Fatwa against the referendum, considering it as a case of misusing religion for political gains.
Since the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi on July 3, 2013, Al-Qaradawi has frequently scorned Al-Azhar, accusing the Islamic center of supporting those who have trampled on people’s rights. He has been dismissed from the center’s board of senior scholars.
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