Full Breakdown
Lambeth Award Withdrawn After Past Praise for Osama bin Laden Resurfaces
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s office rescinded a Lambeth Award that had been presented to Pakistani cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi. The honor, given by Dame Sarah Mullally for “reconciliation and interfaith cooperation,” was withdrawn after 2007 remarks in which Ashrafi said he would bestow the title *Saifullah* (“Sword of God”) on Osama bin Laden. The award ceremony coincided with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, an event that killed nearly 3,000 people, including 67 British citizens.
Background & Context
In 2007, while leading the Pakistan Ulema Council, Ashrafi commented during protests against the British knighthood awarded to Salman Rushdie, the author of *The Satanic Verses*. He later clarified that the title was never formally granted to bin Laden.
Ashrafi was one of 27 recipients in the ceremony, the first time Dame Mullally hosted the awards since assuming her role earlier in the year.
Data & Statistics
- Award recipients: 27 individuals received Lambeth Awards at the ceremony.
- Anniversary timing: The presentation occurred on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
- Casualties referenced: The attacks killed nearly 3,000 individuals, including 67 British citizens.
Official Statements & Responses
Lambeth Palace issued a statement confirming the withdrawal: “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to light that have led Lambeth Palace to reconsider this award and we can now confirm today that the award has been withdrawn.”
Ashrafi’s spokesperson argued that the 2007 remarks were “presented without their proper context,” emphasizing that the comparison to bin Laden was intended only to illustrate Muslim hurt over the Rushdie knighthood and was not an endorsement. The spokesperson also defended the personal religious choices of Ashrafi’s wife and daughter, stating that wearing hijab is “their personal and religious right.”
Criticism & Opposition
The National Secular Society (NSS) condemned the original honor, describing it as “obscene, and almost beyond parody” given its timing on the September 11 anniversary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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to light that have led Lambeth Palace to reconsider this award and we can now confirm today that the award has been withdrawn.” — Lambeth Palace
- “A Church capable of such a serious failure of judgement should not enjoy constitutional privilege, including 26 bishops making our laws. It is time the Church of England was disestablished.” — Lambeth Palace