PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has called on Interpol to retract its arrest warrant against renowned Islamic scholar Professor Dr Syeikh Yusuf Abdullah al-Qaradawi.
Department of Islamic Development Malaysia director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said the department condemned all forms of discrimination against any individual and the ummah.
‘The act of certain quarters to use the law to take action against Syeikh Yusuf, without basis or investigation, is a form of injustice against ulama (scholars).
“We are worried that such actions can incur the wrath of the ummah worldwide, as he is a highly respected contemporary scholar, who is a source of reference to Muslims,” said Othman yesterday.
Early this month, Interpol had issued a high-level alert, seeking the arrest of Syeikh Yusuf, who is wanted by Egyptian judicial authorities on allegations of incitement, providing assistance to commit premeditated murder, facilitating a prison escape, and involvement in arson, vandalism and theft.
Syeikh Yusuf has denied the allegations.
Othman said Malaysia was of the view that the accusations against Syeikh Yusuf were baseless.
The scholar, Othman said, had stated his stand against militancy, especially regarding the declaration of a caliphate by the militant Islamic State, which he said violated Syariah law.
“All parties should consider Syeikh Yusuf’s role as a scholar. He is recognised for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and literature, and the contemporary nature of the fatwa he issues.
“Malaysia also bestowed him with the ‘Tokoh Maal Hijrah’ title in 2009 for his knowledge and moderation in line with the teachings of Islam, including his respect for a harmonious democracy.”