Yusuf El-Qaradawi, President of the World Federation of Muslim Scholars, has said that the late Pope Shenouda III had great respect for sharia (Islamic law) and courageously supported the Palestinian cause, refusing to visit Jerusalem under Israeli occupation.
In a telegram of condolence sent to the Coptic Orthodox Church, the well-known Islamist said that the late pope was a serious churchman, a nationalist, a writer, a poet and a preacher.
"We share with our Coptic brothers their huge grief, and we wish them all the best in their new lives and the choosing of a new Pope, cooperating with their fellow Egyptian brothers to build together a new free, democratic, pious Egypt."
"We hope that Muslims and Christians together make a new life based on solidarity, love, forgiveness, peace, cooperation on righteousness, piety, truth and patience."
