Muhsin Hendricks, Known As The World's First Openly Gay Imam Murdered in South Africa
- Brandon Adams
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 25
News & Opinion
Islamic scholar Muhsin Hendricks, recognized as the world’s first openly gay Muslim imam, was fatally shot in the town of Bethelsdorp within the South African city of Gqeberha on Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was 57 years old at the time of his passing.
Based on CCTV footage, Hendricks was ambushed by two men in a pickup truck while visiting Bethelsdorp. One of the assailants exited the pickup truck, rushed toward Hendricks’ car, and fired multiple gunshots into the window where he was seated.
The investigation into the murder is still ongoing, with Eastern cape provincial police stating that the motive behind the killing remains unclear. Although no official motive is confirmed, the nature of the deadly shooting has led many LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to believe that Hendricks might have been assassinated due to his queer identity as a prominent Muslim leader. In Islamic teachings, homosexuality is traditionally considered forbidden.
Hendricks was visiting Gqeberha to officiate the marriage of two interfaith heterosexual couples and was en route to conduct another ceremony. Beyond his sexuality, the act of traditional imams conducting interfaith marriages is highly unorthodox, yet another testament to Hendricks’ non-conforming approach to practicing Islam.
In 1996, Cape Town native Hendricks came out as gay after previously being married to a woman and starting a family with her. He later married a Hindu man. Both his decision to come out as gay and his marriage to a non-Muslim person drew condemnation from the Muslim community, and presumably the religious community at large. Over time, Hendricks served as a possibility model for what queerness within the Islam faith could look like.
“The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) expresses its deep concern regarding the shocking killing of Muhsin Hendricks in Gqeberha on Saturday, 15 February 2025…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." stated the MJC of South Africa.
“ILGA World (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association) family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime”, said Julia, executive director at ILGA World. “He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in a journey to reconcile their faith, and his life has been a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring in everyone’s lives.” ILGA World stated in a press release.
In 1996, Cape Town native Hendricks came out as gay after previously being married to a woman and starting a family with her. He later married a Hindu man. Both his decision to come out as gay and his marriage to a non-Muslim person drew condemnation from the Muslim community, and presumably the religious community at large.
Over time, Hendricks served as a possibility model for what queerness within the Islam faith could look like. He founded trailblazing organizations such as the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, the Inner Circle, and the Compassion-centred Islam Network (CCI Network), all designed to function as a supportive haven for queer Muslims, advocating for sexuality and gender inclusivity in the religious sphere.
As the first and only African country to legalize and recognize same sex marriage, South Africa remains a celebrated hub for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. However, stigma, discrimination, and violence persist against queer individuals in the country. Despite legal protections and policies, societal attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and gender non conforming populations remain predominantly negative.
Ultimately, Hendricks dedicated his life to empowering those who, like him, wrestled with the belief that being both Muslim and queer meant rejection from their faith and themselves. His legacy as an openly gay Muslim leader challenges the Islamic world to face a crucial question: can queerness and faith coexist?
In the wake of his death, the existential inquiry lingers, continuing to resonate with those left inspired by Hendricks’ message of living authentically beyond the confines of traditional and religious expectations.
A private burial ceremony was held for Hendricks; however, the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation has vowed to commemorate the trailblazing pioneer in a separate memorial.
