‘First Openly Gay Imam’ Shot Dead In South Africa

Muhsin Hendricks, who is widely recognized as the first openly gay imam, was tragically killed in an ambush near Gqeberha on Saturday morning.

The 57-year-old cleric, who came out as gay in 1996, known for advocating LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam, led a Cape Town-based mosque that served as a sanctuary for marginalized Muslims.

According to South African police, Hendricks was traveling in a vehicle when two masked assailants emerged and opened fire, striking him multiple times. Security footage, later circulated on social media, captured the chilling moment when a car blocked Hendricks’ vehicle, and a gunman swiftly approached the backseat, firing through the window.

“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” police said in a statement.

Hendricks’ death has sparked global outrage, with many fearing it was a targeted hate crime. Julia Ehrt, executive director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

“what we fear may be a hate crime,” she said.

“He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith, and his life has been a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring in everyone’s lives,” Ehrt stated.

Reports suggest that Hendricks had recently officiated a same-sex wedding before the attack, though this has not been officially confirmed.

The Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which oversees the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town, confirmed his death, calling for calm while emphasizing the need to support his grieving family.

Hendricks, who publicly came out as gay in 1996, defied conservative religious norms by championing LGBTQ+ rights within Islam. He founded The Inner Circle, an organization offering support to queer Muslims, before later establishing the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque one of the first in the world to welcome LGBTQ+ worshippers.

Despite South Africa’s progressive constitution, which was the first globally to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and legalize same-sex marriage in 2006, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face widespread violence.

Hendricks had long spoken about the challenges queer Muslims encounter, highlighting the mental health struggles and societal rejection they endure.

His influence reached far beyond South Africa, inspiring queer Muslims across Africa and beyond. Nigerian LGBTQ+ activist Sadiq Lawal reflected on Hendricks’ legacy:

“He made the impossible possible by boldly declaring, ‘I’m a queer imam.’ His impact on queer Muslims, especially in countries with strict religious laws, is immeasurable.”

British-Nigerian LGBTQ+ advocate Reverend Jide Macaulay called his death “heartbreaking,” praising Hendricks’ fearless commitment to inclusive faith spaces.

 Source: BBC