The Archbishop of Canterbury retracted the honor he bestowed on Rouhani Muslim.

The Archbishop of Canterbury retracted the honor he bestowed on Rouhani Muslim.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmud Ashrafi admired Osama bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaeda, many years ago.

Last week, on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, he received the award for interfaith reconciliation and cooperation from Lady Sarah Mulally.

The Church of England archdiocese came under fire after it emerged in 2007 that Mr Ashrafi had described Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, as "fighting for Islam against the Russians, Americans and British".

It was also reported that Mr. Ashrafi said he would bestow the title of "Sipula" (Sword of God) on bin Laden. He told the BBC that his words had been quoted "completely out of context".

The office of the Archbishop of Canterbury wrote in a statement: "The disclosure of Imam Ashrafi's statements has prompted us to reconsider this letter of appreciation." We now confirm that this award has been cancelled."

📷 Lambeth Palace/PA