CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Muhsin Hendricks, widely recognized as the first openly gay Muslim imam, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Gqeberha, South Africa, on Saturday. The circumstances surrounding his death have led many to suspect a targeted assassination due to his progressive teachings and advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Islam.
Hendricks was ambushed while sitting in a car by two men in a pick-up truck. Security footage of the incident shows one of the men exiting the vehicle and firing multiple shots through the car window at Hendricks. While police have yet to officially determine a motive, the timing and nature of the attack, coupled with Hendricks’ prominent role in the LGBTQ+ Muslim community, have raised serious concerns about a hate crime.
Hendricks founded a mosque in Cape Town specifically for gay Muslims, a move that sparked controversy and drew criticism from some within the broader Muslim community. He openly advocated for the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within Islam, a stance considered by some to be in direct conflict with traditional interpretations of the faith. His work through the Al-Ghurbaab Foundation focused on providing support and a spiritual home for queer Muslims navigating the complex intersection of their faith and sexual orientation. He famously described himself as "the world's first openly queer imam."
His international profile grew over the years, culminating in a speaking engagement at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association's (ILGA) conference in South Africa last year. Following his death, ILGA Executive Director Julia Ehrt expressed the organization's shock and called for a thorough investigation into what they fear was a hate crime. Ehrt emphasized Hendricks' impact, stating, "He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith." ILGA also revealed that Hendricks had previously spoken about threats to his mosque, which some had labeled a "gay temple."
The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's second-largest political party, echoed these concerns, stating that "the nature of the killing strongly suggests a professional hit." The Justice Ministry has confirmed it is investigating claims that Hendricks was the target of an assassination.
Hendricks’ journey began in the mid-1990s when he publicly came out as a gay imam. Driven by a desire to support other queer Muslims struggling to reconcile their faith and identity, he established a support network that eventually grew into the Al-Ghurbaab Foundation and the groundbreaking mosque in Cape Town. He believed deeply in the possibility of being both queer and Muslim, challenging traditional interpretations and creating a space for others to do the same. "When I was looking at the way queer Muslims were negotiating this dilemma between Islam and their sexual orientation and identity, I felt compelled to do something about it,” he once explained. “And I thought, for me to help would probably be for me to be authentic with myself and come out. I think it's possible to be queer and Muslim or queer and Christian.”
The Al-Ghurbaab Foundation, in a message on its Facebook page, mourned the loss of “a great father and a guardian of many,” while the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa, while reiterating its disagreement with Hendricks' interpretations of Islamic teachings, unequivocally condemned his murder and any acts of violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
The killing of Muhsin Hendricks has sent shockwaves through both the LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and inclusion. The investigation into his death is ongoing, and many are anxiously awaiting answers and justice for a man who dedicated his life to bridging divides and creating a more inclusive world.
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