The Shocking Murder of Muhsin Hendricks: South Africa’s First Openly Gay Imam
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Muhsin Hendricks, widely recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot dead in South Africa on Saturday.
The 57-year-old cleric, known for leading a mosque in Cape Town that welcomed LGBTQ+ Muslims, was ambushed near Gqeberha, a city in the southern part of the country.
A Targeted Attack
Reports reveal that two masked gunmen fired multiple shots at the vehicle in which Hendricks was traveling as a backseat passenger.
Security footage circulating online shows a car blocking Hendricks’ vehicle, followed by an assailant exiting and firing repeatedly through the back window.
The Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which manages the mosque Hendricks led, confirmed his death, describing the attack as targeted.
While initial reports have linked Hendricks’ death to his involvement in officiating a lesbian wedding, South African authorities have not officially verified this connection.
An Outpouring of Tributes
Hendricks’ tragic death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the LGBTQ+ community.
Julia Ehrt, the executive director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, mourned the loss, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, which she labeled a potential hate crime.
Hendricks, who came out as gay in 1996, had long been an advocate for queer Muslims, founding The Inner Circle to help others reconcile their faith and identity.
His journey also led to the creation of the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque, a space that embraced diversity and inclusion.
South Africa’s Struggle with LGBTQ+ Rights
Though South Africa is the first African nation to legalize same-sex marriage, violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals remain widespread.
Hendricks’ death highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the country, despite legal protections and societal advancements.
Leaving a Legacy
Reverend Jide Macaulay, a British-Nigerian LGBTQ+ activist, described Hendricks’ death as heartbreaking, praising his dedication to building inclusive faith communities.
Hendricks was also the subject of the 2022 documentary, The Radical, in which he opened up about the death threats he faced but expressed that authenticity was more important to him than fear.
Hendricks’ untimely death marks a tragic loss for the LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities, and his efforts to promote understanding and acceptance will surely leave a lasting impact.
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