Muhsin Hendricks, recognized as the world’s first imam to openly identify as gay, was fatally shot in South Africa on Saturday, prompting outrage and concern from human rights advocates. The 58-year-old was attacked by masked assailants in Bethelsdorp while he was seated in a vehicle, with local police now investigating the killing, which some fear may be linked to his outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights within Islam.
Hendricks, who founded the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation to support queer Muslims, became well-known for his efforts to reconcile faith and sexual identity. The Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa condemned his murder while the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association called for a thorough investigation, citing growing fears of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. His life and work gained further visibility as the subject of the documentary “The Radical,” highlighting both his dedication to his beliefs and the threats he faced.
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