Lambeth Palace revokes award to Muslim cleric over Osama bin Laden remarks

Lambeth Palace has withdrawn an award given to a Muslim cleric who previously suggested conferring an honorary title upon Osama bin Laden.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi was presented with the honour for reconciliation and interfaith co-operation by Dame Sarah Mullally on Friday, which marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

In 2007, while heading the Pakistan Ulema Council group of Islamic clerics and scholars, Mr Ashrafi said he would grant bin Laden – the architect of the September 11 atrocities – the title Saifullah, meaning "Sword of God", for "serving Muslims by waging jihad against infidels".

An accompanying caption to a photo of Mr Ashrafi collecting the award noted he was being recognised "for his outstanding work as an ambassador of interfaith harmony in Pakistan".

The National Secular Society (NSS) described the presentation as "obscene, and almost beyond parody", noting it took place on the anniversary of the terror attack that claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including 67 British citizens.

Lambeth Palace said: "Previous comments made by Imam Ashrafi have come to light that have led Lambeth Palace to reconsider this award and we can now confirm today that the award has been withdrawn."

A spokesperson for Mr Ashrafi claimed his past statements were presented "without their proper context".

The 2007 remarks regarding bin Laden occurred during protests in Pakistan against Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie receiving a knighthood in Britain.

Mr Ashrafi told the Press Association he was only "giving an example" to highlight the equivalent level of offence caused to Muslims by awarding an honour to Mr Rushdie.

He stressed that the title was never actually bestowed upon bin Laden.