Muhsin Hendricks
AS THE first openly gay Imam, Muhsin Hendricks fearlessly championed an all-inclusive, compassion-centered Islam, dedicating his life to creating safe spaces for queer Muslims, and redefining faith as a source of healing rather than harm.
That is how the Global Interfaith Network (GIN), an organisation of gender and sexual minority people of faith, of which Hendricks was a founding member, described him following his murder at the weekend.
As police continue to search for the two shooters and establish the motive behind his killing, prominent Muslim organisations have urged the public not to speculate about the motives behind his murder, calling for calm to allow due process.
Hendricks, also the founder of non profit organisation Inner Circle, and the first openly gay Imam had reportedly been in Gqeberha to marry a lesbian couple in Bethelsdorp, when he was attacked.
Police spokesperson, Sandra Janse van Rensburg said Hendricks and a driver were inside a gold-coloured VW TRoc in Haley Place, Extension 24, Bethelsdorp at about 1am when a silver-coloured Hilux double cab stopped in front of the VW, preventing him from driving off.
“Two suspects got out of the double cab, both their faces were covered, they started firing multiple shots at the vehicle. Thereafter the suspects fled, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle, was shot and killed. The motive for the murder is unknown and the investigation is ongoing,” she said.
The GIN described the events as “heartbreaking” and an “untimely loss”.
“Imam Muhsin was more than just a religious leader; he was a pioneer, a visionary, and a beacon of hope for countless marginalised Muslims worldwide. As the first openly gay Imam, he fearlessly championed an all-inclusive, compassion-centered Islam, dedicating his life to creating safe spaces for queer Muslims, advocating for justice, and redefining faith as a source of healing rather than harm. He played a pivotal role in shaping interfaith advocacy that upholds the dignity of LGBTQ+ people of faith, ensuring their voices are heard and respected on global platforms. His passing is an immeasurable loss to the global Muslim community, interfaith allies, and human rights defenders everywhere.
“At this time, the exact motivation behind this horrific act remains unclear. However, we stand in unwavering solidarity with his family, loved ones, and community, demanding a full, transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death,” the network said.
Posting on his Facebook page, EFF senior member and MP Nazier Paulsen said: “I’m really saddened at the news of assassination of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, who was most likely assassinated for being gay. We must leave no stone unturned to bring his killers to book. We cannot have people being murdered for their sexual orientation. The LGBTIQ community should be protected from the monsters among us. Imam Muhsin Hendricks never sought my destruction as a straight Muslim neither was he ever hateful towards straight Muslims. Sad that many straight Muslims couldn’t afford him the same respect.”
The Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB) said despite their differences with Hendricks’ views, his killing was “unconstitutional”.
“Islam has and will always have a variety of understandings, some of which may not be accepted by other Muslims. The CTUB, along with the vast majority of South African Muslims, does not align with the views of the deceased. It is also important to recognise that debates surrounding Islam and gender are part of a broader, politically charged discourse, which often has little to do with Islam as a religion and frequently stands in stark contrast to its core values. Therefore, we must be cautious not to conflate these issues.
“We maintain that Islamic teachings firmly condemn violence, murder or such actions that undermine the rule of law and destabilise society. The Cape Town Ulama Board urges our communities to allow the law to investigate the incident, and by following due process, we hope to maintain peace and order,” the Ulama Board said.
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) said: “It has been alleged that the killing may have been motivated by hatred toward 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. As members of a democratic, pluralistic society, the MJC remains steadfast in advocating for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, even amidst divergent views. We extend our sympathies to the bereaved during this difficult time and pray for peace and justice to prevail.”
The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) has urged the public to avoid any speculative statements about the motive for the murder.
Its secretary general, Yusuf Patel said: “Islamic teachings and traditions unequivocally prohibit same-sex relationships, an aspect the deceased is known to have been advocating. However, UUCSA condemns all forms of extrajudicial killings, as they undermine the rule of law and contribute to societal instability. We consequently call on everyone to act responsibly, avoid spreading unverified information, and refrain from making assumptions that have the potential to heighten tension and put others at risk, based on mere suspicion. Upholding justice and respecting due process are essential to ensuring calm and order.”
The ANC condemned the “heinous act of violence and the hateful rhetoric that continues to fuel discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA+ community”.
ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said: “We urge law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to bring those responsible to justice and to dismantle the networks of intolerance that continue to breed such violence. Imam Hendricks’ legacy must serve as a rallying call to strengthen the fight against all forms of discrimination, homophobia, and hate crimes.”
Cape Times