Muhsin Hendricks, recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically shot dead near the southern city of Gqeberha, South Africa, in 2024. The 53-year-old was a pioneer in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within the Muslim community. Police reported that the killing was a targeted attack, although the motive remains under investigation.
“The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” – police
Born into a Muslim family, Hendricks embraced his identity as a gay man in 1996, at the age of 29. Before publicly revealing his sexuality, he had married a woman and started a family. His courageous decision to come out led to a divorce with his wife. He later dedicated his life to teaching Arabic and working as a fashion designer, alongside his commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy.
In 1998, he began hosting meetings for LGBTQ+ Muslims in his home city, offering support and community. Speaking about those early days, Hendricks recalled:
“I opened my garage, put a carpet down and invited people to have tea and talk,” – Muhsin Hendricks
These gatherings led to him being seen as a community imam by those who attended. In 2011, following a friend's distressing experience at a local sermon condemning homosexuality, Hendricks established the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Wynberg near Cape Town. He envisioned it as:
“a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalised women can practise Islam” – Al-Ghurbaah mosque website
At the time of his death, Hendricks had been traveling when two unknown suspects approached his vehicle and opened fire.
“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle” – Eastern Cape police
“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed” – Eastern Cape police
His groundbreaking work and commitment to authenticity were highlighted in the 2022 documentary "The Radical," which detailed his journey as an openly gay religious leader. Hendricks once stated that:
“The need to be authentic” was “greater than the fear to die” – Muhsin Hendricks
His untimely death has sent ripples of shock throughout the global community. Julia Ehrt, executive director of ILGA World, expressed deep sorrow and urged for justice:
“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,” – Julia Ehrt