The fatal shooting of Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay Muslim imam, has sparked widespread condemnation and growing suspicions of an assassination.
Hendricks was ambushed and shot multiple times while sitting in a car in the city of Gqeberha on Saturday. Security footage shows two masked men arriving in a pickup truck, with one stepping out and firing through the vehicle’s side window before fleeing the scene.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive, but LGBTQ+ organizations and political leaders believe he was targeted for his advocacy. Hendricks, an internationally recognized figure, had established a mosque in Cape Town that welcomed LGBTQ+ Muslims, challenging traditional religious interpretations that condemn homosexuality.
South Africa’s Justice Ministry has launched an investigation into claims that Hendricks’ murder was a planned assassination.
“The ILGA family is in deep shock at the news of Muhsin Hendricks’ murder and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime,” said Julia Ehrt, executive director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).
Hendricks was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims, working through his Al-Ghurbaab Foundation to support those struggling to reconcile their faith and identity. He often spoke of threats against his mosque, which critics had labeled a “gay temple.”
South Africa’s Democratic Alliance party called the attack a “professional hit” and urged law enforcement to treat the case with urgency.
The Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa, while maintaining that Hendricks’ views were not in line with Islamic teachings, strongly condemned the murder. “We unequivocally condemn his killing and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community or any other community.”
Tributes poured in following his death, with his foundation remembering him as “a great father and a guardian of many.”
Hendricks’ legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam leaves behind a powerful message of faith, resilience, and courage.