Muslim leader pays tribute to 'inspirational' imam (From Haringey Independent)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news & views by texting HARINGEY to 80360, or email us
Muslim leader Omer El-Hamdoon pays tribute to 'inspirational' imam Sheikh Maymoun Zarzour
11:20am Wednesday 7th September 2011 in News
By David Hardiman, Reporter
Sheikh Maymoun Zarzour, 39, was allegedly murdered in his office on Friday.
THE PRESIDENT of a national Muslim organisation has paid tribute to a Finsbury park imam found dead on Friday.
Sheikh Maymoun Zarzour, 39, who sought political asylum in Britain in 2007 after his car was bombed in Lebanon, was allegedly murdered in his office at the Muslim Welfare House on Friday after taking morning prayers.
The Beirut-educated imam was an active member of London's Muslim community and worked as a lecturer at the European College for Islamic Studies.
Dr Omer El-Hamdoon, President of the Muslim Association of Britain, said that his organisation had lost a “great man”.
He added: “Sheikh Maymoun was and continues to be an inspiration to us all – even though he had lost his eyesight, he did work which equated to ten or 100 men who retain their eyesight.
“As the Sheikh inspired many with his motivation and momentum during his life, even his death has caused so much inspiration, and he will remain as a legacy for communities in Britain and the world.
“The Muslim Association of Britain has indeed lost a great man, and he leaves a void which is hard to fill.”
More than 400 people from across north London's community attended a prayer vigil for Sheikh Zarzour on Saturday afternoon at Holloway School.
Hamza Boutouil, 24, and of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at the Old Bailey this morning.
