Imam Muhsin Hendricks, the first openly gay imam in the world, was gunned down on Saturday while attending a wedding in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
According to an article published by SANews, Hendricks, a renowned Muslim scholar, was an avid advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights. He served several organisations championing the cause for equality along gender lines within the Muslim faith.
Hendricks became the first imam in the world to come out as gay in 1996 and was since removed from his position for coming out.
He was the founder of the Inner Circle, a global Muslim community advocating for a society free from discrimination based on religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.
He also established the LGBTQIA+ inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque, where there is no gender segregation.
Recently, Hendricks led the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which provides psycho-spiritual and social support to Muslims marginalised due to sexual orientation, gender identity and belief.
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike said Hendricks’ murder is a stark reminder that the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa continues to experience discrimination and hate crimes, despite the nation’s progressive legislation, such as the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act (2023), enshrined in part to protect the rights of the queer community.
Letsike recalled brave words uttered by Hendricks as he advanced the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Muslim faith, as he said: “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”
“This brutal murder is not just about imam Hendricks, it is a direct assault on all movements, organisations and persons advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa.
“We call on the SAPS and all law enforcement agencies to strengthen their investigation and track the persons responsible for justice to prevail,” Letsike said.
According to police reports, Hendricks was in a car with another person when a vehicle stopped in front of them and blocked their exit. The gunmen, with covered faces, got out of the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Imam Mushin Hendricks i may not know you personally. But reading what you stood for as a true South African i can relate to what your contribution to humanity was about! I trust justice prevail! RIP Imam Hendricks pic.twitter.com/YMskQzGiwJ
— phumla williams (@mirriamp) February 16, 2025
Rest In Peace Muhsin Hendricks. You did not deserve to be shot like an animal. No Human Being does 💔💔💔
Muhsin was assassinated in Gqeberha yesterday. May Justice Prevail 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/iyD2p8Aowf
— Marc Lottering (@marclottering) February 16, 2025
🏳️🌈 Born in South Africa, Muhsin Hendricks is credited with starting the country’s first LGBTQ+ friendly mosque and over two decades of activism he has sought to help queer Muslims reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation.
🎙️ Reporter: Lucy Middleton in Cape Town pic.twitter.com/IpyFYohNqF
— Openly 🏳️🌈 (@Openly) December 2, 2024
“The need to be authentic is greater than the fear to die.” ~Mushin Hendricks
— RJ Brassfield (@rjber15) February 16, 2025
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp Channel.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Ally Cooper
www.citizen.co.za