Muhsin Hendricks, widely recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot and killed in South Africa on Saturday morning. The 57-year-old cleric, known for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ Muslims, was ambushed while traveling near Gqeberha.
Police confirmed that two masked gunmen emerged from a vehicle and fired multiple shots at Hendricks’ car. “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” authorities stated, as quoted by the BBC.
A Targeted Killing?
Security footage of the attack, which surfaced on social media, showed a car blocking Hendricks’ vehicle as he attempted to leave the curb. A gunman was seen running toward the car and shooting repeatedly through the back passenger window, where Hendricks was seated.
His foundation, Al-Ghurbaah, which runs the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town’s Wynberg suburb, confirmed his death. The organization described the killing as a “targeted attack” but urged followers to remain calm and respect the family’s privacy.
Abdulmugheeth Petersen, chair of the foundation’s board, addressed the community via WhatsApp, saying, “We ask for patience during this difficult time and request that everyone respects the privacy of Imam Muhsin’s family.”
While reports suggest that Hendricks was assassinated shortly after officiating a lesbian wedding, authorities have not officially confirmed a link between the ceremony and the attack.
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A Legacy of Advocacy and Controversy
Hendricks was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ Muslims, challenging traditional interpretations of Islam and promoting a message of inclusivity. He publicly came out as gay in 1996 and later founded The Inner Circle, an organization dedicated to helping queer Muslims reconcile their faith with their sexuality.
He then established Masjidul Ghurbaah, a mosque that welcomed LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized Muslims who often faced discrimination in traditional religious spaces.
His work drew both admiration and controversy. He was the subject of the 2022 documentary The Radical, where he spoke about the constant threats he faced due to his activism. “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die,” Hendricks said in the film.
Julia Ehrt, executive director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (Ilga), paid tribute to Hendricks and called for a full investigation into what many fear was a hate crime.
“Muhsin supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith. His life has been a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring,”* Ehrt stated.
South Africa’s Struggle with LGBTQ+ Violence
Although South Africa was the first country to enshrine LGBTQ+ rights in its post-apartheid constitution and legalized same-sex marriage in 2006, discrimination and violence against the community remain widespread.
The country also has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and activists have long warned that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in religious spaces, are vulnerable to targeted attacks.
Hendricks, despite facing backlash from conservative religious groups, remained committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims. He also spoke openly about the mental health struggles that many in the community experience due to religious exclusion.
His killing has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, with tributes pouring in from around the world. Many now await answers as authorities continue their investigation into the attack.