Gay Imam shot dead in South Africa. Muhsin Hendricks, a trailblazing individual known as the first openly gay imam in history, was shot and killed in South Africa. In Cape Town, the 57-year-old preacher oversaw a mosque designed to provide a refuge for gay Muslims and other marginalized groups. His car was attacked near the southern city of Gqeberha on Saturday morning, resulting in his death. “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” police stated in a statement. The LGBTQ+ community has been rocked by the news of Hendricks’ passing.
Known as the first openly gay imam in history, Muhsin Hendricks was shot and killed on February 15, 2025, in the vicinity of Gqeberha, South Africa. Hendricks, 57, was killed when two masked attackers approached him, halted his car, and then started shooting. According to reports, he was asked to perform a lesbian couple’s wedding at the time because the local imams had refused to perform it. Hendricks was an early supporter of the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in the Muslim community. He came out as gay in public in 1996 and went on to start The Inner Circle, a group that supports Muslims who identify as LGBTQ+. Additionally, he founded the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town, which offers underprivileged women and gay Muslims a secure environment in which to practice their religion.
Hendricks persisted in his goal of bringing Islam and other sexual orientations together in spite of the many dangers he encountered during his career. Many people have condemned his sudden death and demanded a full investigation. Deeply shocked, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Association (ILGA) called on authorities to look into what they believe to be a hate crime.
Police in South Africa are requesting assistance from the public as they have not yet determined the motive behind the murder. Discussions concerning the safety and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in religious institutions and society at large have heated up as a result of the tragedy.
