Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering figure and the world’s first openly gay imam, has been shot dead in South Africa.
Hendricks, 57, was killed on Saturday morning after the car he was traveling in was ambushed near the southern city of Gqeberha.
The police reported that two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of another vehicle and started firing multiple shots at Hendricks’ car.
Hendricks was the founder of the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which runs the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town, a safe haven for gay and other marginalized Muslims.
His death has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the globe.
Julia Ehrt, executive director at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (Ilga), called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate what they fear may be a hate crime.
Ehrt praised Hendricks for supporting and mentoring many people in their journey to reconcile their faith and sexuality.
Hendricks’ death is believed to be linked to his officiating at a lesbian wedding, although this has not been officially confirmed.
The details of the attack emerged through security footage shared on social media, which shows a car pulling up and blocking Hendricks’ vehicle before an assailant jumps out and shoots repeatedly through the back passenger window.
Hendricks came out as gay in 1996, which shocked the wider Muslim community in Cape Town and elsewhere.
He went on to found The Inner Circle, an organization providing support and a safe space for queer Muslims seeking to reconcile their faith and sexuality. Hendricks later established the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque.
Reverend Jide Macaulay, an openly gay Anglican minister, described Hendricks’ death as “truly heartbreaking.”
Macaulay, who runs House of Rainbow, an organization that provides support for gay people in Nigeria, paid tribute to Hendricks’ bravery and leadership.
Sadiq Lawal, a gay Muslim man living in Nigeria, told the BBC that Hendricks had made an impact by saying the words:
“I’m a queer imam.” Lawal described Hendricks as a mentor to many queer Muslims in Africa, especially in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships or public displays of affection are illegal.
Hendricks’ death has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his killing.
His legacy as a pioneering figure in the LGBTQ+ community and a champion of inclusive faith will be remembered and celebrated by many.
