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World's First Openly Gay Imam, Muhsin Hendricks, Tragically Killed in Gun Attack

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Berfin Ceren Meray
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Kapak Görseli

In a devastating turn of events, Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam, has tragically lost his life in a violent gun attack in South Africa. Hendricks, a pioneering figure in the LGBTQ+ Muslim community, was targeted by masked assailants who fired multiple shots at his vehicle. 

Known for creating spaces of worship for LGBTQ+ Muslims, Hendricks had previously faced threats. The motive behind the attack remains unknown as police continue their investigation. 

This shocking incident has sent ripples through the community, raising questions about safety and acceptance.

Muhsin Hendricks, who ran a mosque for LGBTQ+ Muslims in South Africa, was killed in a shooting near Gqeberha.

Muhsin Hendricks, who ran a mosque for LGBTQ+ Muslims in South Africa, was killed in a shooting near Gqeberha. Görseli

According to police reports, Hendricks was in a vehicle on Saturday when two masked individuals, who got out of a car that cut them off, opened fire on the vehicle multiple times. The attackers fled the scene, and Hendricks was shot dead in the back seat.

According to The Guardian, the motive for the murder is still unknown.

According to The Guardian, the motive for the murder is still unknown. Görseli

The police have suggested that the attack may have been targeted and stated that an investigation is ongoing.

Hendricks had created a safe space for LGBTQ+ Muslims.

In 1996, after coming out as gay, he founded the Al-Ghurbaah Mosque near Cape Town in 2011 for LGBTQ+ Muslims and marginalized women. Hendricks had previously received threats but had said he was not afraid, stating, “The need to be authentic is greater than the fear of death.”

Raised in a Muslim family and briefly married, Hendricks revealed to his family that he was gay after his divorce.

Hendricks, who also worked as an Arabic teacher and fashion designer, was the subject of the 2022 documentary The Radical.