Hamas mourned the death of renowned Islamic scholar and Founding President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Sheikh Yusuf Al Qaradawi, who passed away in Doha at the age of 96.

In a press release, head of Hamas’s politburo Ismail Haniyeh said that the Palestinian people, the Arab nations, and the Islamic Ummah are deeply saddened by the death of Al-Qaradawi. “He passed away after a life full of giving in all arenas” 

Haniyeh explained that the prominent Muslim scholar has tremendously supported the Palestinian cause, Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, confirming that the entire world bears witness to Al Qaradawi’s contributions to the Muslim Ummah and the world. 

“He has dedicated his life to serving the issues of the Ummah and defending the Palestinian cause, at the heart of which is Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa.” 

With the death of scholar Al-Qaradawi, the Islamic Ummah has lost one of its prominent figures and voices of freedom, the senior Hamas official added. 

Haniyeh added: “We, in Hamas movement, are extremely saddened by the death of this prominent scholar, and we pray to Allah to shower his soul with mercy. Hamas also extends condolences to the family of the Sheikh, his students, and the entire Arab and Islamic world”