By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot and killed in South Africa near Gqeberha.
According to police reports, Hendricks was in a car with another individual when a vehicle blocked their path, and two masked suspects emerged, firing multiple shots at them.
Hendricks was fatally wounded in the attack. Authorities have not yet determined the motive for the shooting, which remains under investigation.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) condemned the incident, urging authorities to thoroughly explore the possibility of a hate crime.
Hendricks had been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ Muslim community, founding a mosque in Cape Town to offer a safe space for queer Muslims. Reflecting on his mission, he once shared, “I opened my garage, put a carpet down and invited people to have tea and talk.”
His dedication to providing a non-judgmental place for worship was underscored by his words, “Maybe it’s time we started our own space, so people can pray without being judged.”
Hendricks had previously spoken about the threats he received but remained steadfast in his belief that “the need to be authentic” outweighed his fears.
