Muhsin Hendricks, widely regarded as the world’s first openly gay imam and a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam, was shot and killed near Gqeberha, South Africa, police confirmed on Saturday. The attack has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into whether his murder was a hate crime.
Hendricks was traveling in a car through Bethelsdorp, a suburb of Gqeberha, when an unidentified vehicle blocked their path, according to Eastern Cape police. Two masked gunmen emerged, firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene. The driver of the vehicle later discovered that Hendricks, who was seated in the back, had been fatally wounded.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive, but rights groups, including the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), have condemned the killing and urged a comprehensive investigation. “The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime,” said ILGA Executive Director Julia Ehrt.
A video circulating on social media appears to capture the moment of the attack, and police have verified its authenticity. Witnesses are being urged to come forward with any relevant information.
Hendricks, born into a Muslim family in Cape Town, was previously married with children before coming out as gay in 1996. He later divorced and dedicated his life to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion within Islam. In 1998, he began hosting informal gatherings for LGBTQ+ Muslims in Cape Town, converting his garage into a safe space for discussions. His efforts led to the establishment of the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in 2011, a place of worship designed to be inclusive of queer Muslims and marginalized women.
His activism made him a target. Hendricks, who was also featured in the 2022 documentary The Radical, had spoken publicly about receiving threats due to his work advocating for LGBTQ+ Muslims.
