The Muslim Brotherhood draws its governing ideology largely from the body of works produced by Seyyid Qutb, an Islamist theorist whose ideas also influenced the formation of groups like Al Qaeda, and the teachings of Muslim Brotherhood founder Hassan al Banna.

However, the Brotherhood's present ideological stands have been largely influenced by leading Islamic theologian and prominent Muslim Brotherhood member Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi. Qaradawi is an anti-Semitic, anti-Israel theologian who joined the ranks of the Brotherhood in its heyday under the guidance of al Banna.

Through his speeches and writings, Qaradawi has promoted violence against Jews and Israelis with numerous fatwas (legal opinions) permitting suicide bombings, and he has voiced support for terrorist organizations like Hamas, who are bent on destroying the Jewish state. While in exile in Qatar, Qaradawi continued to provide the Muslim Brotherhood and its leaders with ideological and theological guidance.

Upon Qaradawi's return to his native Egypt in February 2011 after decades of exile, he led the first Friday prayers of the post-Mubarak era, exclaiming through loud speakers in Cairo's Tahrir Square, "I have hope that as God has delighted me to see a liberated Egypt, [so too will God] delight me with a conquered Al Aqsa," in Jerusalem.

For an in-depth background of Sheik Yusuf Qaradawi, click here.