The Newshound

Christian left 'horrified' as backlash grows over Archbishop's award to cleric who praised Bin Laden

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Tahir Ashrafi (left) and the Most Rev Sarah Mullally, who is under pressure to apologise after her Pakistan Ulema Council honoured Osama Bin Laden with a religious title meaning 'Sword of Allah'.
Tahir Ashrafi (left) and the Most Rev Sarah Mullally, who is under pressure to apologise after her Pakistan Ulema Council honoured Osama Bin Laden with a religious title meaning 'Sword of Allah'.

Dame Sarah Mullally handed Pakistani cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Co-operation at Lambeth Palace on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, before withdrawing it after his past remarks surfaced. Now, even figures on the Christian left have expressed horror at the episode, as condemnation widens beyond the original controversy over the award itself. Critics say the Church failed to carry out basic background checks — and has been accused of preferring 'empty gestures to unpalatable truths'.

The National Secular Society branded the original presentation 'obscene, and almost beyond parody' on the day nearly 3,000 people were murdered, including 67 British citizens.

Ashrafi reportedly also called the October 7 butchers 'freedom fighters', said suicide attacks on Nato troops were lawful, and backed polygamy without wives' consent.

Ashrafi declared in 2007 that he would bestow on Osama bin Laden the title 'Saifullah' — meaning 'Sword of God' — for "serving Muslims by waging jihad against infidels".

MoreEvening StandardLambeth Palace withdraws award to Muslim cleric over Osama bin Laden remarksDaily MailMuslim cleric given award by Archbishop called the butchers of October 7 'freedom fighters', said suicide attacks against Nato troops were 'lawful' - and that men could take four wives at once without permissionGB NewsChristian left 'horrified' at Archbishop of Canterbury after revoking award to Islamic cleric who praised Osama Bin LadenThe Jewish ChronicleArchbishop of Canterbury retracts award for Muslim cleric who suggested honouring Osama bin Laden - The Jewish ChronicleThe Jewish ChronicleThe most depressing aspect about the archbishop honouring Ashrafi is how unsurprising it isFox NewsArchbishop of Canterbury withdraws award from Muslim cleric after past Osama bin Laden praise surfaces
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