South Africa’s first openly gay imam Muhsin Hendricks shot dead

Muhsin Hendricks, who came out as gay in 1996, once said that his need to be authentic “was greater than the fear to die.”

|Published 12:30 PM ET, Sunday February 16, 2025|

Cape Town, South Africa: Muhsin Hendricks, recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically shot and killed on February 15, 2025, near Gqeberha, South Africa. He was ambushed while seated in a car; two masked assailants blocked the vehicle’s path and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Hendricks. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Born in June 1967 in Cape Town, Hendricks was raised in a traditional Muslim household. He pursued Islamic studies in Pakistan and, in 1996, courageously came out as gay, a revelation that led to his dismissal from his religious duties. In response, he founded The Inner Circle, later known as the Al-Fitrah Foundation, to support LGBTQ+ Muslims seeking to reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation. He also established the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town, providing a safe space for marginalized Muslims.

Hendricks was a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the Muslim community, often challenging traditional interpretations of Islamic texts. His life and work were featured in the 2022 documentary “The Radical.” Despite facing numerous threats, he remained steadfast in his mission, once stating, “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”

In the wake of his death, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) expressed deep shock and called for a thorough investigation, fearing the incident may have been a hate crime. Executive Director Julia Ehrt highlighted Hendricks’ global impact, noting his support and mentorship to many individuals worldwide in their journey to reconcile faith and identity.

Hendricks’ untimely passing is a significant loss to both the LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities. His unwavering commitment to inclusivity and understanding has left an indelible mark, inspiring many to continue advocating for acceptance and equality.