Sunni New Salafism and Shia Revival: Comparison of Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Martyr Morteza Motahari

New Salafism in Sunni thought and revival in Shia thought and their different interpretations are among the most important issues of Islamic world’s philosophers. Among the thinkers that have analyzable thoughts, are Yusuf al-Qaradawi and martyr Morteza Motahari. This study uses the descriptive-analytical method and comparative approach to answer the main question: what are the similarities and differences between Sunni New Salafism thoughts and Shia revival thoughts? Comparing the thoughts of these two scholars shows their interpretative similarities and differences of Islam. The comparison shows that these two thoughts both believe in the universality of Islam. The belief in necessity of establishing an Islamic government is also seen in both of these thoughts, although their viewpoints differ in the form of government. Martyr Motahari and Qaradawi believe that the separation of religion and politics is alien to Islam. Accepting democracy and freedom is among the similarities of their viewpoints, although a difference in the nature of Islamic democracy and western democracy is interpreted. Accepting women’s laws is one of their similarities. They also emphasize on invalidity of nationalism in Islam.