THE Archbishop of Canterbury has been blasted as “staggeringly naive” for giving an Osama Bin Laden apologist an award — on last week’s 25th anniversary of September 11.
Dame Sarah Mullally presented the “reconciliation and interfaith co-operation” honour to Tahir Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council.
Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally has been blasted as ‘staggeringly naive’ after giving an interfaith award to Osama Bin Laden apologist Tahir Ashrafi Credit: ©Neil Turner
Tahir Ashrafi sparked fury in 2007 by condemning Salman Rushdie’s knighthood and announcing he would award Osama Bin Laden the ‘Sword of God’ honour Credit: AFP
In 2007, Ashrafi sparked fury when he condemned the award of a knighthood to Satanic Verses author Sir Salman Rushdie. The bearded Muslim leader hit back further by announcing he would award Bin Laden the title of Saifullah, or “Sword of God” honour.
Ashrafi said at the time: “If a blasphemer can be given the title ‘Sir’ by the West then a mujahid who has been fighting for Islam against the Russians, Americans and British must be given the lofty title of Islam, Saifullah.
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“We are pleased to award the title of Saifullah after the British Government’s decision to bestow the title of ‘Sir’ on blasphemer Rushdie. This is the highest title for a Muslim warrior.”
Left-leaning Dame Sarah beamed as she set aside Ashrafi’s views to salute him at Lambeth Palace.
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The award was made on last week’s 25th anniversary of September 11 Credit: AFP
Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy has described the Archbishop of Canterbury’s decision to honour an alleged Bin Laden apologist as ‘staggering’ and ‘naive’ Credit: House of Commons
Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy MP said: “The naivety of the Archbishop in presenting an award to someone who openly praised Bin Laden is staggering — and on the anniversary of 9/11, too.
“Our leaders must face up to the reality not all cultures are based on the same foundations as ours, and not all share our desire for co-operation and freedom.
“Western political and religious leaders should stand up vigorously for our own values and achievements, rather than apologising for our history or celebrating those who seek to do us harm.”
Victim support campaigner Travis Frain OBE, a survivor of the 2017 Westminster Bridge attack, called the Archbishop’s move “a grave misjudgment by the Church”.
Tim Dieppe, at Christian Concern, added: “The absurdity of this beggars belief. Mullally is clearly uninformed about both Ashrafi and about Islam. There is no justification for giving him an award.”
However, last night a Church spokesman said: “Previous comments made by Imam Ashrafi have come to light . . . and we can now confirm the award has been withdrawn.”
