DOHA — Yusuf Al Qaradawi, Egyptian-born spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, has died at the age of 96, his official website and Twitter account announced on Monday.

The cause of death was not immediately clear but he suffered poor health for years.

Al Qaradawi has been banned from France and Britain for his extremist views.

He was on the terror list announced by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain.

Al Qaradawi was known for being a caller and an avid advocate of suicide bombings and martyrdom. He promoted and legitimized martyrdom operations, referring to them as “a higher form of jihad for the sake of Allah.” — Agencies