Category: News
Date: 07.07.2004
Printable version
Any use of this material should credit BBC TWO's
Newsnight
Controvesial cleric Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, in an exclusive
interview for Newsnight (BBC TWO, Wednesday 7 July
at 10.30pm), claims that Islam justifies suicide bombings.
Speaking in an interview on whether the Koran justified
suicide bombings conducted just weeks prior to his arrival in Britain
Al-Qaradawi tells Newsnight: "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 effect the enemy then it is not
allowed."
Asked whether these views extended to the situation
in Iraq Al-Qaradawi said: "If the Iraqis can confront the enemy,
there's no need for these acts of martyrdom. If they don't have the
means, acts of martyrdom are allowed.
"I didn't say that the Iraqis cannot - it depends
on their need."
Al-Qaradawi, the spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood
organisation, arrived in London on Monday the Muslim Associatiion of
Britain (MAB) said.
He is due to attend a series of events during his week-long
visit.
Home Secretary David Blunkett was asked earlier this
week to ban the Egyptian from entering Britain because of his provocative
views, including alleged support of suicide bombers and the beating
of women.
He has said the cleric will be closely monitored but
that preaching at a mosque that had completely reformed itself did not
make him a threat.
Newsnight, Wednesday 7 July, BBC TWO at 10.30pm.
