The World’s First Openly Gay Imam Has Been Shot And Killed In South Africa
Muhsin Hendricks actively advocated for LGBTQ rights within the Muslim community by challenging interpretations of Islamic teachings that generally prohibit same-sex relationships.
Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam, has been shot and killed near Gqeberha, a city in South Africa.
Hendricks, 57, publicly came out as gay in 1996 after ending his marriage to a woman, according to AP.
He actively advocated for LGBTQ rights within the Muslim community by challenging interpretations of Islamic teachings that generally prohibit same-sex relationships.
In 1996, he founded a support group that helped gay Muslims accept their sexuality.
In 2011, Hendricks established Masjidul Ghurbaah, an inclusive mosque for LGBTQ Muslims.
Hendricks was shot on Saturday while he was visiting Gqeberha on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Videos making the rounds on social media showed two masked assailants ambushing a car with Hendricks inside, firing multiple shots at him through the side window.
Police said in a statement that the gunmen then fled the scene and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle and been shot and killed.
While police have not yet established a motive for the attack, political parties and LGBTQ groups say they believe the attackers had targeted Hendricks for founding a mosque for LGBTQ people, according to AP.
South Africa’s Justice Ministry says it is investigating the possibility Hendricks was the target of an assassination.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) condemned Hendricks' murder and called for a thorough investigation into what they fear may be a” hate crime”.
ILGA called Hendricks a mentor who supported many queer Muslims not just in South Africa but around the world.
South Africa's Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), one of the country's main religious groups, also condemned the murder.
However, they said that they did not agree with Hendricks’ teachings.
In 2022, Hendricks was featured in the documentary The Radical, when he spoke about threats against him.
“It just didn’t bother me. The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die," he had said.
The documentary highlighted how his mosque became a safe space for young gay Muslims to practice their faith openly.
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