Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world’s first openly gay imam—a Muslim cleric who leads prayers and provides spiritual guidance—has been shot dead in South Africa.
The 57-year-old cleric, who founded an inclusive mosque in Cape Town, was killed on Saturday morning in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime.
Hendricks was travelling near Gqeberha when his vehicle was ambushed. According to a police statement, “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle.” CCTV footage shared on social media shows a car blocking Hendricks’ vehicle before a masked assailant opened fire through the back passenger window, where the imam was seated.
The Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which operates the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque founded by Hendricks, confirmed his death. Board chair Abdulmugheeth Petersen urged supporters to remain patient and respect the privacy of Hendricks’ family during this difficult time.
Tributes from the Global LGBTQ+ and Faith Communities
Hendricks’ murder has sparked an outpouring of grief from LGBTQ+ advocates and religious leaders worldwide. Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), called for a full investigation into “what we fear may be a hate crime” and praised Hendricks for his life’s work.
“He supported and mentored so many people in their journey to reconcile with their faith. His life was a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring,” Ehrt said.
Reverend Jide Macaulay, a British-Nigerian LGBTQ rights advocate and openly gay Anglican minister, described Hendricks’ death as “truly heartbreaking”, adding: “Your leadership, courage, and unwavering dedication to inclusive faith communities have left an indelible mark.”
Sadiq Lawal, a Nigerian gay Muslim, expressed his devastation: “He made the impossible possible by saying, ‘I’m a queer imam.’ He was a mentor to many queer Muslims, especially in places like Nigeria, where religious extremism prevails.”
A Life of Courage and Inclusion
Muhsin Hendricks was a pivotal figure in the LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities, challenging traditional interpretations of Islam and advocating for a more inclusive faith. He came out publicly as gay in 1996 and founded The Inner Circle, an organisation providing safe spaces for queer Muslims seeking to reconcile their faith and sexuality. Later, he established Masjidul Ghurbaah in Cape Town, a mosque known for its inclusivity.
In a 2022 documentary, The Radical, Hendricks reflected on his mission and the threats he faced, stating: “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”
At the ILGA World Conference in Cape Town last year, he stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue and mental health support for LGBTQ+ individuals, asserting: “It is important that we stop to look at religion as the enemy.”
South Africa’s LGBTQ+ Rights and Ongoing Struggles
South Africa has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ rights laws in the world, including constitutional protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2006. However, violence against LGBTQ+ individuals remains prevalent, reflecting a harsh reality beneath the country’s legal advancements.
Hendricks’ legacy as a pioneering figure for queer Muslims will endure, but his death has reignited calls for stronger protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and religious leaders advocating for inclusivity.
