Abdul Hadi Arwani: Man found shot dead in car believed to be former preacher at London mosque

 
Murder investigation: Abdul Hadi Arwani (Picture: Facebook)
Alexandra Rucki8 April 2015
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A Syrian-born Muslim preacher was today found dead in a car with gunshot wounds to his chest in north London, according to reports.

The body of former Imam Abdul Hadi Arwani was reportedly found in a Volkswagen Passat, in Greenhill, at the Junction with The Paddocks, Wembley, at 11.15am this morning.

Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service pronounced him dead at the scene.

Mr Arwani has not yet been formally identified by police, but tributes were paid to him on social media.

Mr Arwani was known for his criticism of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and taught at the London College for Islamic Studies.

He was the former Imam of the Masjid Al Noor mosque, in Acton, west London.

According to the college’s website, he taught in Jordan before working as a teacher in Islamic studies in Slough and west London.

Muslim preacher: Abdul Hadi Arwani was known for his critcism of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad (Picture: Facebook)

Hundreds of tributes were paid to the preacher and activist on social media websites tonight.

One of his former students posted on Facebook: “I was fortunate to have him as one of my teachers and was also a close family friend, always there to help and ever so humble.

“He was so active, never turning down the opportunity to be involved in good. He was the most optimistic person I ever met, a real inspiration.”

Another past student Mujib tweeted: “The Muslims in the UK have lost a great Imam and a person of knowledge. May Allah have mercy on you Sheikh Abdul Hadi Arwani.”

Murder probe: police cars at the scene in The Paddocks, Wembley (Picture: @Tashianx)

Muaz Mahmoud wrote on Facebook: “Our beloved sheikh Abdul Hadi was murdered this morning in Wembly whilst sitting in his parked car. We ask Allah to bring justice to the cowards that murdered him.”

A post mortem examination has been scheduled to take place in due course, Scotland Yard said.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “The investigation is being carried out by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

“They are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area of Greenhill, junction with The Paddocks, from about 10am this morning who may have seen a dark coloured Volkswagen Passat or anything suspicious to get in touch.”

The statement said police are “retaining an open mind regarding the possible motive”.

Anyone with information can call 020 8358 0400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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