Controversial Islamic scholar Yousuf Al Qaradawi reportedly has been re-elected as chairman of International Union of Muslim Scholars, an organisation of Muslims who have graduated from sharia universities or Islamic studies departments.
The appointment may amplify tensions between Qatar and the UAE, which has withdrawn its ambassador to Doha.
In a sermon in January delivered at a mosque in Doha and broadcast by state television, Al Qaradawi condemned the UAE as a country against Islamic rule, because of its stance against the Muslim Brotherhood, which is supported by Qatar.
Bahrain also condemned the cleric’s comments, describing them as a “deliberate” accusation against the UAE that intended to divide the GCC and “spark sedition” in the Gulf.
“Any affront to the UAE is tantamount to an affront targeting all GCC countries without exception,” Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said.
On March 5, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain simultaneously withdrew their ambassadors from Doha. They are yet to return after reports last week there had been a breakdown in negotiations to improve the states’ relationships with Qatar.
In April, Al Qaradawi sent a conciliatory message to countries he had criticised in an apparent attempt to help end the rift.
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