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Police in South Africa are closing in on the suspects responsible for the tragic killing of Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, according to Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel.
Hendricks, 57, was shot and killed in broad daylight on Saturday in the coastal city of Gqeberha while sitting in his car. CCTV footage captured a hooded assailant emerging from a pick-up truck that had blocked Hendricks’ vehicle, before firing multiple shots through the window.
Hendricks was well known for his pioneering work supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims and other marginalized groups within the Muslim community. His death has left the LGBTQ+ community reeling and drawn widespread shock and condemnation.
While an investigation is underway, Deputy Minister Nel stated it’s too soon to determine if the killing was a hate crime. However, he confirmed that officers are actively pursuing leads to identify the perpetrators.
In a heartfelt tribute, Nel described Hendricks as “a South African we can all be proud of, a South African we can all aspire to be.”
Hendricks was a vocal advocate for reconciling faith and sexuality. He founded The Inner Circle in 1996 to offer support and a safe space for queer Muslims, and later established the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque. His advocacy challenged traditional Islamic views on same-sex relationships, emphasizing that religion should not be seen as the enemy of LGBTQ+ people.
Despite South Africa’s progressive laws—its constitution was the first to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, and it was the first African country to legalize same-sex marriage—Hendricks’ killing serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
Hendricks’ work as a trailblazer, his commitment to interfaith dialogue, and his message about the mental health challenges of LGBTQ+ people in religious communities resonate deeply, even after his death. His life, and now his death, is a reminder of the need for greater acceptance and compassion.
Leading Muslim organizations, including the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and the United Ulama Council of South Africa, have condemned the killing, urging calm and the avoidance of hasty conclusions. The MJC emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, even in the face of differing views.
Muhsin Hendricks’ death is a tragic loss to South Africa and the world, but his legacy as an advocate for the marginalized, and his courage in living authentically, will continue to inspire future generations.
