South Africa mourns murder of groundbreaking gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks
Muhsin Hendricks, a trailblazing imam celebrated as the world’s first openly gay Muslim cleric, was fatally shot in a targeted attack near Gqeberha, South Africa, on Saturday. The 57-year-old, known for his inclusive mosque in Cape Town, was ambushed while traveling in a car.
Security footage shared online shows masked assailants blocking his vehicle and firing multiple shots into the back seat, where Hendricks was seated.
Hendricks’ death has sparked global outrage and grief, with LGBTQ+ advocates condemning what many fear was a hate crime.
Julia Ehrt of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association hailed his legacy, saying, “His life was a testament to the healing power of solidarity.”
A vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam, Hendricks founded The Inner Circle in 1996, offering support to queer Muslims reconciling faith and sexuality.
His Cape Town mosque, Masjidul Ghurbaah, became a sanctuary for marginalized believers.
Despite South Africa’s progressive laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights, violence and discrimination persist.
Hendricks, who came out in 1996, faced threats but remained steadfast. “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die,” he once said.
His murder leaves a void in the global fight for religious inclusivity. As tributes pour in, his message of compassion and courage continues to inspire.
