The Archbishop of Canterbury withdrew an award he had given to a Muslim cleric.

The Archbishop of Canterbury withdrew an award he had given to a Muslim cleric.

Hafiz Mohammed Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi had praised Osama bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaeda, years ago.

Last week, on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, he received the award from “Lady Sara Mulalley” in recognition of efforts toward reconciliation and interfaith cooperation.

After it became clear that in 2007 Mr. Ashrafi described Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the September 11 attacks, as someone who “has fought for Islam with the Russians, Americans and the British,” the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office faced a wave of criticism.

It has also been reported that Mr. Ashrafi said he would give bin Laden the title “Saifullah” (Sword of God). He told the BBC that his remarks were “completely taken out of context.”

In a statement, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury wrote: “The revelation of Imam Ashrafi’s remarks led us to review this award. We now confirm that the prize has been withdrawn.”

📷Lambeth Palace/PA