GQEBERHA, South Africa – The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has expressed sadness over the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, a gay imam, on Saturday.
“The Department acknowledges with great shock the reported assassination of Muhsin Hendricks, a South African Islamic scholar who has often been described as the world’s first openly gay imam,” the statement read.
Officials recognized Hendricks’ activism and work with interfaith communities, as well as his independent research on Islam and sexual diversity.
Advocacy and Contributions
The Department praised Hendricks’ role in the National Intervention Strategy (NIS) on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC). His most recent contribution was at the 31st ILGA World Conference in Cape Town in November 2024.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to upholding constitutional values and ensuring a society free from discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other status.
Cape Town Ulama Board Calls Murder Unconstitutional
The Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB) condemned Hendricks’ killing, calling it unconstitutional.
“While the motive remains speculative, we can undoubtedly state that his killing was unconstitutional,” CTUB said.
The organization emphasized that Islam includes diverse interpretations, some of which not all Muslims accept.
Islamic Teachings and Social Debates
CTUB acknowledged that political debates surrounding Islam and gender often distort Islam’s core values.
“The CTUB, along with most South African Muslims, does not align with the views of the deceased. However, Islamic teachings firmly condemn violence, murder, or any actions that undermine the rule of law,” the board said.
Call for Justice and Peace
CTUB urged the Muslim community to allow law enforcement to investigate the incident.
“We encourage maintaining peace and order by following due process,” the board added.
Attack and Investigation
Hendricks, 57, was shot dead after his car was ambushed near Gqeberha. Police reported that two masked gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. Security footage showed a car blocking his vehicle before an assailant ran to the back seat and fired multiple shots.
His murder sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, prompting global tributes. Julia Ehrt, executive director at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), urged authorities to investigate what may be a hate crime.
“He supported and mentored many in South Africa and worldwide. His life was a testament to the healing power of solidarity,” she said.
Hendricks, who came out as gay in 1996, once said his need for authenticity outweighed his fear of death. He founded The Inner Circle to support queer Muslims and later established the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town.
Reverend Jide Macaulay, an openly gay Anglican minister, described Hendricks’ death as “heartbreaking.” Sadiq Lawal, a gay Muslim man from Nigeria, said Hendricks had made the impossible possible by openly identifying as a queer imam.
Authorities continue their investigation into Hendricks’ murder, seeking justice for the slain imam and his family.
See also: Eastern Cape Man Faces Court for Murder, Possession of Police Uniform
