South Africa is mourning the tragic death of Muhsin Hendricks, widely recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam. The 57-year-old cleric, known for advocating LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam, was shot dead on Saturday morning near Gqeberha in what many fear was a targeted attack.
According to police reports, Hendricks was traveling in a vehicle when two masked gunmen ambushed the car and opened fire. He was seated in the back seat when the assailants struck, firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene.
Hendricks’ death has sent shockwaves across the LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities, with tributes pouring in from activists, religious leaders, and human rights organizations. Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), called for a thorough investigation, suggesting the attack may have been a hate crime.
“He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith. His life was a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring,”Ehrt said.
Unconfirmed reports suggest Hendricks was killed after officiating a lesbian wedding, though authorities have yet to verify this. Security footage circulating online captures the moment his vehicle was blocked by another caras it attempted to leave. The video then shows an attacker jumping out, running to the vehicle, and firing multiple shots through the back passenger window.
His foundation, Al-Ghurbaah, which runs the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town, confirmed his death but urged the public to be patientas investigations continue. Abdulmugheeth Petersen, chairman of the board, stressed the need to respect Hendricks’ family’s privacyduring this time of grief.
Muhsin Hendricks made history in 1996 when he came out as gay, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the Muslim community in Cape Town and beyond. That same year, he founded The Inner Circle, an organization aimed at helping queer Muslims reconcile their faith with their identity. His commitment to inclusion later led him to establish Masjidul Ghurbaah, a mosque that welcomed all Muslims, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Also, read: Chimamanda Adichie Welcomes Twin Boys at 47, Reveals Why She Kept It Private
Although South Africa was the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage in 2006, LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination and violence. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and activists warn that hate crimes remain a serious concern.
Despite facing threats and opposition, Hendricks remained committed to his mission. In a 2022 documentary titled The Radical, he reflected on the risks of being openly gay in the Muslim community, stating:
“The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”
Beyond his work in South Africa, Hendricks was a global advocate for interfaith dialogue, often speaking about the mental health struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals within religious spaces. At the ILGA World Conference in Cape Town last year, he urged people to stop viewing religion as the enemyin the fight for queer rights.
Hendricks’ death has left a deep void in the LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities. Reverend Jide Macaulay, an openly gay Anglican minister and founder of House of Rainbow, described his murder as “truly heartbreaking.”
“Your leadership, courage, and unwavering dedication to inclusive faith communities have left an indelible mark,”Macaulay said.
For many queer Muslims, Hendricks was a symbol of hope. Sadiq Lawal, a gay Muslim man living in Nigeria, said Hendricks had “made the impossible possible”by openly embracing both his faith and his identity.
“He’s a mentor to many queer Muslims in Africa, especially in Nigeria, because of religious extremism. I’m still in shock and devastated.”
As investigations continue, activists are urging authorities to treat the case as a potential hate crime. The attack has reignited concerns over LGBTQ+ safety in South Africa, where violent crimes remain alarmingly high.
For now, Hendricks’ legacy of courage, inclusivity, and resiliencelives on through the communities he built and the countless lives he touched.
