Dr Yousuf Al Qaradawi

DOHA • Noted Islamic scholar Dr Yousuf Al Qaradawi has said the Muslim world needs democracy. The scholar, who is in Istanbul, Turkey to attend a conference, said: "The Muslim world needs democracy. It wants democracy. But it should be real democracy and not just democracy by name only."

He added: "Democracy has done some good things. It has saved humanity from despots and dictators who act like gods. The details should be left to the people. Let them decide for themselves."

He, however, added that democracy in the Muslim world would be different from what it is in Western countries. "This is because in Islam there are some fixed principles that cannot be changed. But there are some things where the people can call for change, depending on the time and place," he said.