Qaradawi criticizes Al-Azhar for condemning Jerusalem attacks
- (IslamOnline)

A leading Muslim religious scholar in Qatar on Tuesday criticized Sheikh Mohammad Sayyed Tantawi, the highest authority in Sunni Islam, for his condemnation of "any attack on innocent civilians," in the wake of weekend attacks that killed more than 26 Israelis.

"How can the head of Al-Azhar incriminate mujahideen [fighters] who fight against aggressors? How can he consider these aggressors as innocent civilians?" asked Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi, quoted by Qatari newspapers.

Tantawi, Sheikh of Cairo's al-Azhar University, the oldest university in the world, said Monday that Islamic Shari'ah law, "rejects all attempts on human life, and in the name of Shari'ah we condemn all attacks on civilians, whatever the community or state responsible for such an attack."

Tantawi was referring to both Israel and the Palestinians in his statement.
"We disapprove of all whose who justify attacks against children by reasoning that the children will join the army when they grow up."

These arguments "are odious. I reject them and they are contrary to the recommendations of the prophet Mohamed," said Tantawi, who was appointed by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

"Has fighting colonizers become a criminal and terrorist act for some sheikhs?" Qaradawi asked. He added that "Israeli society was completely military in its make-up and did not include any civilians."

In Israel, "men and women are soldiers," added Qaradawi. "They are all occupying soldiers."