In a tragic turn of events, Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot dead in South Africa on Saturday. The 57-year-old cleric, known for leading a Cape Town mosque that welcomed LGBTQ+ and marginalized Muslims, was ambushed near the southern city of Gqeberha.
According to South African police, two masked gunmen fired multiple shots at the vehicle Hendricks was in, striking and killing him. Security footage shared on social media captured the moment of the attack, showing a car blocking Hendricks’ vehicle before the assailants jumped out and opened fire.
The Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which runs the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque, confirmed Hendricks’ death in a statement, calling it a targeted attack. The foundation’s board chair, Abdulmugheeth Petersen, urged the public to respect Hendricks’ family’s privacy as they grieve.
Hendricks’ life was marked by courage and resilience. After coming out as gay in 1996, he faced significant backlash from South Africa’s Muslim community. Undeterred, he founded The Inner Circle, a support organization for queer Muslims, and later established the inclusive mosque, Masjidul Ghurbaah.
As a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights in South Africa, Hendricks’ legacy will be deeply felt. Reverend Jide Macaulay, a British-Nigerian LGBTQ activist and openly gay Anglican minister, mourned Hendricks’ passing, calling it “heartbreaking”.
Hendricks’ story was featured in the 2022 documentary “The Radical,” where he reflected on the death threats he faced. His response was characteristic of his bravery: “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die”.