The world’s first openly gay imam has been shot dead near the southern city of Gqeberha in South Africa. The imam ran a mosque that many considered a safe haven for gay and other marginalized Muslims. He was shot while sitting in a car with another person on Saturday. According to police, a vehicle stopped in front of them, blocking their exit. Police suspect a hate crime behind the killing.
“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” the Eastern Cape force said in a statement.
“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed.”
“The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” police said, urging anybody with information to come forward.
A video on the alleged shooting of imam in the car is been circulated widely online. It shows that the imam’s car was blocked by another vehicle. While Hendrick’s car was trying to turn back after blockage, a man came out of the vehicle with face covered and started firing multiple shots. After firing, the attacker left the crime scene with the vehicle.
Watch The Video Here..
A man has been shot dead in Gqeberha in what appears to be a hit.#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/lkZuoZpANi
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The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association denounced the killing.
Who was Muhsin Hendricks?
Hendricks was involved in various LGBTQ+ advocacy group, came out openly as a gay in 1996. After which he started hosting meetings in his home city for LGBTQ+ Muslims, who treated him like their community imam. According to BBC report, That year, he established The Inner Circle to support queer Muslims before founding the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque. The 57-year-old religious leader operated a Cape Town mosque that served as a refuge for gay and other marginalised Muslims.
South Africa pioneered constitutional protection against sexual orientation discrimination and legalised same-sex marriage in 2006, becoming Africa’s first nation to do so. In 2011 Hendricks bolstered his role as an imam figure by setting up a mosque space after a friend endured a local sermon condemning homosexuality. “I said, ‘Maybe it’s time we started our own space, so people can pray without being judged’.”
Despite a vibrant LGBT community, discrimination and violence continue, alongside one of the highest murder rates in the world.
A 2022 documentary titled The Radical featured him stating about received threats: “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.” He consistently promoted interfaith dialogue and addressed mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in religious settings. At last year’s Ilga World Conference in Cape Town, he stated: “It is important that we stop to look at religion as the enemy.”
‘Shock and devastated’
