The world has lost a trailblazer in the fight for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Islam. Imam Muhsin Hendricks, widely regarded as the world's first openly gay imam, was fatally shot in South Africa in what many fear was a targeted hate crime. The 57-year-old cleric, who led an inclusive mosque in Cape Town, was ambushed on Saturday morning near Gqeberha, leaving a void in the global movement for faith-based LGBTQ+ rights.
Authorities reported that Hendricks was traveling in a car when two masked assailants pulled up, blocking his vehicle before opening fire. Security footage of the attack has circulated on social media, showing a gunman rushing towards the back passenger window where Hendricks was seated and shooting multiple times before fleeing the scene.
His murder has sparked shock and outrage across South Africa and beyond, with many viewing the attack as a direct assault on his progressive work in reconciling Islam with LGBTQ+ identities.
Hendricks’ life was one of defiance and courage. Born and raised in South Africa, he publicly came out as gay in 1996—a bold move in a society where religious and cultural norms often reject homosexuality. That same year, he founded The Inner Circle, an organization dedicated to supporting queer Muslims grappling with their faith and identity.
Later, he established Masjidul Ghurbaah in Cape Town, a mosque known for its inclusivity, where LGBTQ+ Muslims and other marginalized groups could worship without fear of discrimination. His work directly challenged conservative interpretations of Islam, offering an alternative vision of faith rooted in compassion, acceptance, and equality.
Hendricks' philosophy was clear: no one should have to choose between their faith and their identity. His teachings emphasized that Islam, at its core, is a religion of love and justice.
His advocacy did not come without resistance. For years, Hendricks faced death threats from those who opposed his message of inclusion. He was frequently denounced by religious conservatives who viewed his work as heretical. Yet, he remained undeterred.
In the 2022 documentary The Radical, he openly discussed the risks he faced, stating, "The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die."
His death, occurring just after he reportedly officiated a lesbian wedding, has led many to suspect that he was assassinated for his beliefs and activism. While authorities have yet to officially confirm the motive, the LGBTQ+ community and human rights organizations are calling for a thorough investigation, fearing that this was a premeditated act of violence fueled by religious and homophobic extremism.
News of his murder has reverberated around the world, with LGBTQ+ activists, religious leaders, and human rights organizations mourning his loss.
Julia Ehrt, executive director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), described Hendricks as a mentor and a source of inspiration for countless people. "His life was a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring," she said, urging authorities to ensure justice is served.
Reverend Jide Macaulay, a British-Nigerian LGBTQ+ rights advocate and openly gay Anglican minister, expressed his heartbreak, praising Hendricks’ bravery in standing up for a marginalized community. "Your leadership, courage, and unwavering dedication to inclusive faith communities have left an indelible mark," he wrote.
Many queer Muslims across Africa, particularly in countries where homosexuality is criminalized, saw Hendricks as a beacon of hope. Sadiq Lawal, a gay Muslim man from Nigeria, described his devastation, saying, "He made the impossible possible by saying the words: 'I'm a queer imam.' His loss is immeasurable."
South Africa is often seen as a progressive beacon on the continent due to its constitutional protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. It was the first African country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2006. However, despite legal protections, LGBTQ+ individuals still face significant threats, ranging from discrimination to violent hate crimes.
Hendricks’ murder is a stark reminder of the dangers activists and community leaders face in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within religious contexts. His death may have silenced his voice, but his legacy will continue to inspire those fighting for a more inclusive world.
As the investigation unfolds, activists and supporters demand justice—not just for Imam Hendricks but for all those who continue to face persecution for being true to themselves. His life was one of courage, and his legacy will remain a guiding light for those who believe that faith and identity can coexist in harmony.
