The Archbishop of Canterbury’s office has rescinded an interfaith award previously granted to a Muslim cleric after past statements, where he expressed admiration for Osama bin Laden, resurfaced.
Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi was awarded the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation at Lambeth Palace during a ceremony timed with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
On Thursday, Lambeth Palace announced the decision to withdraw the award after becoming aware of Ashrafi’s earlier comments. They acknowledged that the situation warranted a reevaluation.
“It’s a principle of interfaith dialogue that we should interact despite our differences, and that still stands,” the statement from Lambeth Palace said.
However, they confirmed that remarks made by Imam Ashrafi prompted reconsideration of his recognition, adding, “We have reached out to Imam Ashrafi to inform him of this decision.”
Lambeth Palace underscored its thoughts and prayers for the Christian community in Pakistan, along with those striving for interfaith understanding both in Pakistan and globally.
Initially, the Hubert Walter Award was granted to Ashrafi due to his longstanding advocacy for religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly the Christian population.
According to reports, Ashrafi had expressed support for bin Laden in a 2007 statement, describing him as someone who fought for Islam against Western forces. He further suggested giving bin Laden the title “Saifullah,” translating to “Sword of God.”
In response to the backlash, Ashrafi claimed those remarks were taken out of context and labeled the negative reactions he faced as part of an “unfair campaign.” He insisted that his comments originated from the hurt many Muslims felt over the British knighthood awarded to Salman Rushdie, the author of “The Satanic Verses.”
During the initial award presentation, the Archbishop’s office highlighted Ashrafi’s dedication to fostering interfaith harmony in Pakistan, commending his efforts in promoting religious tolerance.
