By Safina khan / London: The Archbishop of Canterbury has revoked an award presented to Pakistani Muslim cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi following renewed scrutiny over remarks he made about Osama bin Laden.
Ashrafi was presented with an honour recognising his work in promoting interfaith understanding and religious harmony. The award was presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, during an event marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
The decision followed the resurfacing of comments attributed to Ashrafi from 2007, in which he spoke favourably about Osama bin Laden and described him as having fought in the name of Islam against Russia, the United States and Britain.
Reports also indicate that Ashrafi referred to bin Laden using the title “Saifullah,” meaning “Sword of God.” Ashrafi has previously rejected the interpretation of his remarks, telling the BBC that his comments had been taken out of their original context.
Lambeth Palace subsequently confirmed that the Archbishop’s office had reviewed the matter after the historical remarks came to light.
In a statement, the Palace said the comments had prompted a reconsideration of the recognition and confirmed that the award had been withdrawn.
The honour had initially recognised Ashrafi for what the Archbishop’s office described as his efforts to encourage religious tolerance and strengthen relations between different faith communities in Pakistan.
The reversal has drawn renewed attention to the scrutiny surrounding public honours and the importance of reviewing the past statements and records of recipients.
VOA News Uk
