Archbishop of Canterbury withdraws award from Muslim cleric who praised Osama bin Laden
Summary
The Archbishop of Canterbury took back an award given to Muslim cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi after it was revealed he praised Osama bin Laden in 2007. Ashrafi had received the award for promoting peace between religions but faced criticism for his past comments and support of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.Key Facts
- Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi was given an award for interfaith harmony on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
- After it emerged Ashrafi praised Osama bin Laden, the Archbishop of Canterbury withdrew the award.
- Ashrafi called Bin Laden "Sword of God" and praised his fight against Russians, Americans, and British forces.
- Ashrafi said his comments were taken out of context and tied them to criticism of Salman Rushdie's knighthood.
- Lambeth Palace cited Ashrafi’s role in helping a young Christian girl falsely accused of blasphemy in 2012.
- Ashrafi supports Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which have been criticized for targeting minorities and poor people.
- Human Rights Watch says these blasphemy laws cause discrimination and abuse against minorities in Pakistan and urges reform.
- The incident caused backlash due to the timing near the 9/11 attacks anniversary and Ashrafi’s mixed record on religious tolerance.
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