An Examination of Yusuf al-Qaradawi's Political Ideology and Behavior in Light of the Syrian Crisis

Given the pivotal significance of Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi in the aftermath of the Arab revolutions in 2011, his prominent status among Muslim Brotherhood supporters, and his interactions with the Syrian government during this time, we have devised a research approach that combines comparative research methodology for analysis with library and documentary studies to gather information and address the research questions. The results of this study suggest that his political stance on the Syrian crisis contradicts the epistemological, ontological, anthropological, and methodological underpinnings that govern his Islamist discourse. This demonstrated that he has strayed from the primary frameworks of his political Islam discourse, despite his moderate stance prior to the aforementioned developments. Overall, it appears that Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi is swayed by political movements and groups, the absence of an accurate political vision, and the inflammatory atmosphere that followed the Arab Spring. Additionally, the historical experience of the Brotherhood in Syria, the opportunity presented by the Arab Spring, and the protests in Syria all play a role in shaping his perspective. He regarded it as an appropriate venue for overthrowing the governing authority in that country and instituting a system of governance based on the Brotherhood's discourse.