Muslim exorcist hacked to death in east London

Police arrest 43-year-old man in connection with Zakariyya Islam's murder

A Muslim exorcist was knifed to death in Whitechapel, east London, at the therapy centre where he worked, according to the Daily Mail.

Zakariyya Islam, 46, was found with multiple knife wounds at Ruqyah Therapy Centre in Greatorex Street. A 43-year-old has reportedly been arrested for connection in his murder.

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Islam, who worked as an exorcist for around 20 years. was discovered by the police and paramedics around 6:30am on September 14, but due to the gravity of his injuries he could not be saved.

“I saw him three days ago and we were laughing and joking. He was a loving person, full of energy. Even last week we were talking about our businesses. The whole of East London will be in shock,” Islam’s childhood friend, Mozahid Hussein, said while speaking to The Standard.

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"His humour was brilliant. He grew up around here and we played football together as children. He was someone you could go to for business advice. He was well respected. I never knew him to argue with anyone. He would listen to you and make you feel special."

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement, "At this early stage it is believed that the victim and suspect were known to each other. Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. Detective Inspector John Marriott from the Homicide and Major Crime Command leads the investigation."

Islam was co-founder of the Ruqyah Therapy Centre which provides treatments for black magic, sorcery, witchcraft, "evil eye" and Jinn possession, according to the website.

This article originally appeared on Daily Mail.