Prominent Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi has appealed to Egypt’s political rivals to close ranks to resolve a lingering crisis over drafting the country’s new constitution. “I call on all political trends in Egypt, whether Islamists, liberals, or nationalists, to cooperate together on all issues, including the constitution drafting,” Qaradawi said in a message reported on April 4. “I call on the majority and minority to show flexibility and widen the scope of participation in the panel to include all trends,” added the president of the International Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS). “We all shoulder a historic responsibility toward this country.”
A 100-member panel tasked with drafting Egypt’s new constitution has been hit by walkouts since it was formed last month. Liberals have accused Islamists, who have the majority of seats in Egypt’s parliament, of dominating the panel. But the Muslim Brotherhood, which has most seats in both house of parliament, has denied the accusation, saying the panel contains only 48 Islamists, 36 from parliament and 12 from outside. Qaradawi also called on candidates seeking Egypt’s presidency to work for serving the country’s interest and the cause of Islam.