This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011 [1].
Banished Egyptian cleric Yusuf Al Qaradawi [2] described Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak as “blind, deaf and dumb,” lending his influential backing to protesters calling for a change in the regime for the fifth day in a row.
In an interview with Qatari Al Jazeera television, Qaradawi, who also holds a Qatari citizenship, ordered Mubarak to step down and encouraged Egyptians to continue with their demonstrations.
On Twitter, Sultan Al Qassemi transcribed the interview in 140-character messages, which were retweeted around the world, as the interview was being aired.
Following are reactions from the Twittersphere.
From the UAE, Sultan Al Qassemi transcribed [4] his interview. Here's an excerpt:
“There is no more room for you anymore Mubarak. I advise you to learn lessons from Ben Ali. Leave Egypt on your feet now”
Tom Gara is excited [5]:
Aweosome. Qaradawi just called Mubarak “deaf, blind and stupid” #jan25
Sam Shakespear is surprised [6] Qaradawi jumped ship:
I cant believe Qaradawi & Amr Khaled nerves.They've been selling “opium” 4 years then suddenly switch sides& denounce Mubarak on the 5th day
And more reactions followed:
@Ghammaaz [7] The shameful silence of Muslim scholars! RT @hamna_: Yusuf Al-Qaradawi asks Mubarak to step down. Any other Muslim … http://tmi.me/668I6
@hamna_ [8] Yusuf Al-Qaradawi asks Mubarak to step down. Any other Muslim Scholars done the same yet? #jan25
@MmedeSevigne [9] Yusuf Al-Qaradawi,influential cleric calls on #Mubarak to resign.Hosni, you're 80+ years old, you're been in power for 32 years,give it up
@jstrevino [10] Point of maximum danger for revolutionary Egypt, per @ChuckDeVore, is when Yusuf Qaradawi returns from exile.
@readyaimshoot [11] Look for Sheikh Youssef Qaradawi to return to Egypt from exile in Qatar & ascend as a religious leader like Ayatollah Khomeini did in Iran.
This post is part of our special coverage Egypt Protests 2011 [1].