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| Qaradawi has called for a ‘just and satisfactory’ trial in the Villaggio fire tragedy |
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the Villaggio fire incident, which claimed the lives of 19, including 13 children, while describing it as a major disaster.
Dr al-Qaradawi also expressed his condolences to HH the Emir, HH the Heir Apparent as well as the government and people of Qatar. He said that an investigation should be carried out to find out the causes for the incident and those responsible for the negligence.
In his Friday sermon at Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque, he revealed that during the accident, he was abroad in Kuwait and was alarmed when he came to know about it from the media. He hoped that Qatar would be spared of such sad events in the future and the families of the victims would find comfort and solace for their big loss.
Dr al-Qaradawi also expressed his deep shock with the incident in the Syrian town of Houla last weekend, where 108 Syrians were killed, with 49 reported to be children.
“This is a horrible crime. The regime used savage power against the people,” he said.
“It has been 15 months and they are still killing people with all sorts of weapons from air, sea and land and by releasing hooligans on the people,” he observed.
He called on all nations, the Security Council and the United Nations to stand up against the regime, while emphasising on the need to arm the Syrian opposition. Further, he reiterated his call for the personnel of the Syrian Army to join the Free Syrian Army against the regime forces.
Dr al-Qaradawi indicated that Annan’s plan was offered to the Syrian regime in six points but the regime had done nothing, and continued to kill the unarmed people who demanded only their legitimate right to live with freedom and dignity. However, the senior Muslim scholar reaffirmed his unshakeable belief in the fact that the oppressive Syrian regime is doomed.
“The issue in Egypt is now as clear as the sun, with no clouds there. Only the revolution and the enemies of the revolution. All Egyptians took part in the revolution except a few people who belong to the former regime. All people supported the revolution including Christians, Muslims and liberals,” he said.
However, Dr al-Qaradawi explained that those who were against the revolution were able to take over the fruits of the revolution and had managed to be in the forefront of the presidential elections in Egypt.
“He is the last prime minister of Mubarak. The man who used to mock the revolutionaries is contesting against Dr Mohamed Mursi, the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party,” he said, referring to Ahmed Shafiq, the candidate who is going to run the re-election for presidency in Egypt with Mursi. Qaradawi maintained that only Coptic Christians voted for Shafiq because they have fears about the Islamists.
“The Islamists have to exert more efforts with the Copts,” he said, adding “I ask the Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Azhar and every true Muslim scholar to reach out to our Coptic brothers, and to ensure an understanding to deny Shafiq the votes of those who opted for him.”
“It is impossible for Shafiq to win the elections. It is for the good of the Copts to reach an understanding with Muslims,” he stressed.
He further called on all Egyptians, whatever their background, to be conscientious regarding the interests of Egypt. They should support the revolution and its men. They should not allow any members of Mubarak’s regime or retinue to re-assume power because they are “the most corrupt people”.
Qaradawi pointed out that people should vote for the man who works for the best interests of the nation, while ensuring that the individual would abide by their legitimate and reasonable conditions.
“We want to build Egypt and develop it further. Nobody can develop Egypt but a president selected by the people and worthy of their trust,” he added.