Muhsin Hendricks, widely regarded as the world’s first openly gay imam, has been shot dead in a targeted attack in South Africa. The 57-year-old cleric, who dedicated his life to creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ Muslims, was ambushed and killed near the southern city of Gqeberha on Saturday morning. His assassination has sent shockwaves through the global LGBTQ+ and human rights communities, prompting urgent calls for justice.
A Tragic Assassination
South African police confirmed that Hendricks was traveling in a car when another vehicle blocked its path. Two masked gunmen exited the vehicle and opened fire, targeting Hendricks, who was seated in the back. Security footage circulating on social media shows one assailant running toward the vehicle and shooting repeatedly through the back passenger window before fleeing.
Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the murder, but many suspect it to be a hate crime. Hendricks’ assassination follows years of threats and opposition from conservative religious groups due to his progressive stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam. Some reports suggest that he had recently officiated a lesbian wedding, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Global Outpouring of Grief and Condemnation
Hendricks’ death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from activists, religious leaders, and human rights organizations worldwide. Julia Ehrt, executive director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, expressing fears that this may be a hate-motivated 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 has been a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring in everyone’s lives,” Ehrt stated.
British-Nigerian LGBTQ rights activist and Anglican minister Reverend Jide Macaulay called Hendricks’ murder “truly heartbreaking” and highlighted his immense contribution to inclusive faith communities. “Your leadership, courage, and unwavering dedication to inclusive faith communities have left an indelible mark,” Macaulay said.
Sadiq Lawal, a Nigerian gay Muslim, described Hendricks as an inspiration who had made “the impossible possible.” “He’s a mentor to many queer Muslims in Africa, especially in Nigeria, because of religious extremism. I’m still in shock and devastated,” he said.
A Life Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Islam
Born and raised in Cape Town, Muhsin Hendricks came out as gay in 1996, a bold and controversial move that sent shockwaves through the Muslim community in South Africa and beyond. Facing significant backlash, he remained steadfast in his commitment to promoting an inclusive interpretation of Islam that embraced LGBTQ+ individuals.
That same year, he founded The Inner Circle, an organization dedicated to supporting queer Muslims struggling to reconcile their faith and sexuality. His work continued with the establishment of Masjidul Ghurbaah, a mosque in Cape Town that served as a sanctuary for marginalized Muslims, including LGBTQ+ individuals who often faced discrimination in traditional religious spaces.
Hendricks was also an outspoken advocate for interfaith dialogue, emphasizing the need to address mental health issues and the trauma faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities. He believed that faith and identity were not mutually exclusive and worked tirelessly to create a space where queer Muslims could practice their religion without fear of rejection.
A Dangerous Environment for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Despite South Africa’s progressive laws, including a constitution that explicitly protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2006, LGBTQ+ individuals still face violence and discrimination. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and LGBTQ+ people remain particularly vulnerable to hate crimes.
Hendricks was acutely aware of these dangers. In the 2022 documentary The Radical, which chronicled his activism, he openly discussed the threats he faced. “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die,” he said.
His death is a grim reminder of the ongoing risks faced by LGBTQ+ activists in regions where religious fundamentalism and homophobia remain deeply ingrained.
Calls for Justice
Hendricks’ Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which operates the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque, confirmed his assassination and appealed for patience as investigations continue. Abdulmugheeth Petersen, chair of the foundation’s board, urged followers to respect the privacy of Hendricks’ family and allow authorities to conduct their work.
Many international organizations, including ILGA and Amnesty International, have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the murder. Activists fear that, without accountability, Hendricks’ death could set a dangerous precedent for further violence against LGBTQ+ leaders in South Africa and beyond.
A Lasting Legacy
Hendricks’ unwavering dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam transformed countless lives. His work gave hope to queer Muslims worldwide, showing them that they did not have to choose between their faith and their identity. His assassination is an immense loss to the global movement for LGBTQ+ rights within religious communities.
As the world mourns his passing, his legacy will live on through the countless individuals he inspired and the inclusive spaces he helped create. The fight for justice in his name will continue, ensuring that his vision of a compassionate and inclusive Islam endures.
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This article is based on reporting from BBC News. Minority Watch acknowledges BBC News as the original source of information.
