Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering Islamic cleric who made history as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically shot and killed in South Africa on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Hendricks, 57, was a trailblazer who dedicated his life to promoting acceptance and inclusion of marginalized Muslims, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.
Hendricks founded and led a mosque in Cape Town, which served as a sanctuary for marginalized Muslims.
He also established The Inner Circle, an organization that provided support and a safe haven for queer Muslims.
In 2011, he founded Masjidul Ghurbaah, an inclusive mosque that furthered his mission of acceptance and inclusion.
Hendricks’ life was cut short when the vehicle he was traveling in was ambushed near Gqeberha.
Security footage shows a car intentionally blocking the vehicle Hendricks was in, and an assailant exiting the blocking car, firing multiple shots through the rear passenger window. The police report that Hendricks was seated in the back seat.
