South Africa: World's first openly gay Imam shot dead

ANI February 18, 2025 255 views

Muhsin Hendricks, globally recognized as the first openly gay Imam, was tragically assassinated in a brazen shooting in South Africa. The 58-year-old Islamic scholar, known for his groundbreaking advocacy for LGBTQ+ Muslims, was killed in a targeted attack that shocked human rights communities worldwide. Authorities are investigating the murder as a potential hate crime, with initial reports suggesting the killing was motivated by Hendricks' progressive views on sexual orientation and religious identity. His death represents a significant loss for LGBTQ+ rights and interfaith dialogue, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities.

"We unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community" - Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa
Cape Town, February 18: Muhsin Hendricks, hailed as the world's first Imam to say that he was gay, was shot dead in South Africa on Saturday, according to local police as reported by CNN.

Key Points

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Pioneering gay Imam killed in targeted shooting in Bethelsdorp

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Police investigating potential hate crime motivation

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Founder of LGBTQ+ Muslim support organization Al-Ghurbaah Foundation

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Documented advocacy for queer Muslim rights

Citing Eastern Cape Provincial Police, CNN said that the police were investigating the death of Muhsin Hendricks, who was 58, in Bethelsdorp stating that the motive behind the killing was unclear.

The statement noted that Hendricks and a driver were inside a "gold-colored VW TRoc" at Haley Place, Extension 24, Bethelsdorp when a silver-colored Hilux double cab stopped in front and blocked them from driving off.

The statement said, "Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle. Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed."

CNN cited a statement from the advocacy group the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) which said that Hendricks was the "first imam in the world to come out as gay" in 1996.

A statement issued by ILGA World said, "ILGA World is shocked to learn about the assassination of Muhsin Hendricks, a South African Islamic scholar who has often been described as the world's first openly gay Imam."

South Africa's Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said it was "saddened" by Hendrick's murder and pledged to "track and monitor that justice is dispensed" if his death is indeed confirmed as a hate crime.

According to CNN, Hendricks founded the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation in Cape Town, where he served as executive director.

As per Al-Ghurbaah Foundation's website, it is a "Human Right Organization that provides Psycho-Spiritual and Psycho-Social support to Queer Muslims helping them to reconcile Islam with their Sexual orientation and Gender Identity."

CNN also cited the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa (MJC) which "unequivocally" condemned the "shocking killing" in a statement Sunday.

"It has been alleged that the killing may have been motivated by hatred towards Muhsin Hendricks due to his views on same-sex relationships. While the MJC has consistently maintained that Muhsin's position is incompatible with Islamic teachings, we unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community or any other community," the MJC said.

According to CNN, a 2022 documentary- "The Radical" followed Hendricks as he established a mosque for LGBTQ+ Muslims in Cape Town, South Africa, amid death threats.

Tags:
Muhsin Hendricks LGBTQ Rights South Africa Islamic Scholar Hate Crime Cape Town
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