Muhsin Hendricks, widely recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, has been shot dead in South Africa. The 57-year-old cleric, known for his advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights within Islam, was ambushed on Saturday morning while traveling.
According to police reports, two masked attackers exited a vehicle and fired multiple shots at Hendricks' car. Security footage circulating on social media captures the moment a vehicle blocked his car as it pulled away from the curb. An assailant then rushed toward the back passenger window—where Hendricks was seated—and opened fire.
Hendricks was a leading figure in progressive Islam, founding the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation and the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town’s Wynberg suburb as safe spaces for marginalized Muslims, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. His sudden death has sparked global tributes and concerns that the attack may have been a hate crime.
Reports suggest Hendricks had officiated a lesbian wedding shortly before his killing, though this remains unconfirmed
