A man widely regarded as the world’s first openly gay imam was shot dead while sitting in a car in South Africa, prompting authorities to investigate what they believe was an assassination because of his teachings, considered to be controversial in the Muslim world.
Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world’s first openly gay imam has been shot dead in an attack near Gqeberha, South Africa. pic.twitter.com/LMnPHkfSjw
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) February 17, 2025
“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” The Eastern Cape police force said in a statement.
“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed.” They added.
A security video of the shooting shared on social media shows one of the gunmen jumping out of their vehicle, running up to the side of the car where Hendricks was in, and firing multiple shots with a pistol through a side window. Authorities confirmed the authenticity of this video, which was taken in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.
“The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” The police said, urging anyone with information to come forward.
While the police continue to investigate the murder and have not established a motive for the killing, political parties and LGBTQIA+ organizations believe Hendricks was targeted because he established a mosque in Cape Town that served as a safe space for Muslim members of the LGBTQIA+ community and to help non-Muslim LGBTQIA+ members to be welcomed to Islam.
South Africa’s justice ministry said it is investigating claims that Hendricks was a target of an assassination. The openly gay imam, who was involved in various LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, was known internationally and even spoke at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s conference in South Africa last year. The ILGA expressed their shock upon hearing his killing and condemned the murder.
BREAKING:
A video has been released of yesterday’s Islamist terror attack in South Africa in which killed the world’s first openly gay imam.
Muhsin Hendricks ran a mosque in Cape Town intended as a safe haven for gay & marginalised Muslims.
He was murdered in an ambush. pic.twitter.com/obZvM4BzGi— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 16, 2025
“The ILGA World 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,” Julia Ehrt, the organization’s executive director, said.
“He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith.” She added.
Homosexuality is forbidden in Islam, and of the 71 countries where homosexuality is criminalized, 35 of them are Muslim-majority countries, such as Brunei, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the Gaza Strip.
Hendricks, who worked as an Arabic language teacher and a fashion designer, came out as gay to his family in 1996. Two years later, he started hosting meetings in his home city for LGBTQIA+ Muslims, who treated him as their community imam.
World's 'first openly gay' imam, Moegsien Hendricks shot dɘad in Eastern Cape, South Africa. pic.twitter.com/8ucXtwnlqS
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) February 17, 2025
He then established the Al-Ghurbaah Mosque at Wynberg near his birthplace, Cape Town after a friend had to endure a sermon condemning homosexuality. According to its website, the mosque provides “a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalized women can practice Islam.”
The Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa said that while Hendrick’s teachings and activities were incompatible with Islamic teachings, they condemned his murder.
“We unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community or any other community.” The organization said.
