A man hailed as the world’s first imam to say he was gay was shot dead in South Africa on Saturday February 15th, local police said, in what rights groups fear could be a hate crime. A video, captured by a security camera, purporting to show the shooting incident has been shared widely on social media
Eastern Cape provincial police said in a statement it was investigating the death of Muhsin Hendricks, 58, in Bethelsdorp stating that the motive behind the killing was unclear. The statement said that , “Hendricks and a driver was inside a gold-colored VW TRoc in Haley Place, Extension 24, Bethelsdorp when a silver-colored Hilux double cab stopped in front and blocked them from driving off.”
It added that: “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle. Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed.”
“Imam Muhsin was more than just a religious leader; he was a pioneer, a visionary, and a beacon of hope for countless marginalized 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,” said a statement from the Global Interfaith Network.
As a founding member of GIN-SSOGIE, a global network of gender and sexual minority people of faith, with over 550 members, individuals and organisations across the world, 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.
A Legacy That Will Endure
جاء عن أبي هريرة عن النبي ﷺ أنه قال: “بدأ الإسلام غريباً وسيعود غريباً كما بدأ فطوبى للغرباء”
“Islam began as something strange and it will return to being something strange, so blessed are the strangers.” (Hadith)
Throughout history, those who stood for justice and inclusion—the marginalized, the outcasts, and those who dared to challenge injustice—were often met with resistance. Imam Muhsin was one of these ‘Ghurbaah’—the blessed strangers who remained steadfast in his faith, principles, and love for humanity.
His work through the Al-Fitrah Foundation, Masjidul Ghurbaah, the CCI Network, and his psycho-spiritual support services transformed lives, offering hope, healing, and a home to those whom society sought to exclude.
“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 GIN statement said.