Muhsin Hendricks, a prominent figure in South African Muslim community, was shot and killed over the weekend, with authorities investigating whether the murder is a hate crime. Hendricks founded the Inner Circle, a safe haven for gay Muslims, after coming out as openly gay in 1996.
Hendricks’ car was ambushed near Gqeberha in Eastern Cape Province on Saturday morning. Two suspects, wearing covered faces, fired multiple shots at the vehicle before fleeing.
The Inner Circle, described as the longest-standing and most influential human rights organization for Islam, gender, and sexual diversity, condemned Hendricks’ murder, stating that Islamic teachings firmly condemn violence and murder. However, the Cape Town Ulama Board, a Sunni leader’s organization, said their views do not align with Hendricks’.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) believes the killing may be a hate crime. ILGA Executive Director Julia Ehrt remembered Hendricks as a person who “reconciled faith and identity,” saying his life was a testament to solidarity across communities.
Hendricks previously raised concerns about a fatwa condemning homosexuality issued by the Muslim Judicial Council in 2022, which found that gay Muslims are incompatible with Islam. He questioned the ruling’s validity, citing the Quran as being older than the term “homosexual.” Authorities are investigating the incident, but no additional details are available at this time.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/worlds-first-openly-gay-imam-shot-dead-south-africa-authorities