World’s ‘first overtly homosexual imam’ shot useless in South Africa

Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering determine dubbed the world’s first overtly homosexual imam, has been shot useless in South Africa.

The 57-year-old cleric ran a mosque in Cape City supposed as a secure haven for homosexual and different marginalised Muslims. He was killed on Saturday morning after the automobile during which he was travelling close to the southern metropolis of Gqeberha was ambushed.

“Two unknown suspects with lined faces received out of the car and began firing a number of pictures on the car,” police mentioned in a press release.

Information of Hendricks’ demise has despatched shockwaves by the LGBTQ+ group and past, prompting an outpouring of tributes from throughout the globe.

Julia Ehrt, government director on the Worldwide Lesbian, Homosexual, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Affiliation (ILGA), referred to as on the authorities to completely examine “what we concern could also be a hate crime”.

“He supported and mentored so many individuals in South Africa and world wide of their journey to reconcile with their religion, and his life has been a testomony to the therapeutic that solidarity throughout communities can usher in everybody’s lives,” she mentioned.

Hendricks was killed after he had reportedly officiated at a lesbian wedding ceremony, although this has not been formally confirmed.

The small print of the assault emerged by safety footage that was shared on social media.

It exhibits a automobile pulling up and blocking the car during which Hendricks was travelling because it was pulling away from the curb. Based on police, the imam was within the again seat.

The angle of CCTV footage reveals what occurred from one aspect of the highway – an assailant jumps out of a automobile, runs to the ambushed car and shoots repeatedly by the again passenger window.

Hendricks’ Al-Ghurbaah Basis, which runs the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque within the Wynberg suburb of Cape City, confirmed he had died in a focused assault on Saturday morning.

However Abdulmugheeth Petersen, chair of the inspiration’s board, appealed by way of a WhatsApp group for his or her followers to be affected person, stressing the significance of defending Hendricks’ household.

Hendricks’ work challenged conventional interpretations of Islam and championed a compassionate, inclusive religion.

South Africa’s post-apartheid structure was the primary on this planet to guard individuals from discrimination due to their sexual orientation and in 2006, turned the primary nation in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage.

However regardless of a thriving LGBT group, homosexual individuals nonetheless face discrimination and violence. The nation additionally has one of many highest homicide charges on this planet.

Hendricks got here out as homosexual in 1996, which shocked the broader Muslim group in Cape City and elsewhere.

That very same yr, he based The Internal Circle, an organisation offering assist and a secure area for queer Muslims in search of to reconcile their religion and sexuality earlier than happening to determine the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque.

He was the topic of a documentary in 2022 referred to as The Radical, during which he mentioned in regards to the threats he confronted: “The have to be genuine was larger than the concern to die.”

Hendricks typically spoke in regards to the significance of interfaith dialogue and the necessity to handle the psychological well being points and trauma confronted by LGBTQ+ people inside spiritual communities.

He instructed the Ilga World Convention in Cape City final yr: “It can be crucial that we cease to take a look at faith because the enemy.”

Reverend Jide Macaulay, an overtly homosexual Anglican minister, described Hendricks’ demise as “actually heartbreaking”.

The British-Nigerian LGBTQ rights activist runs Home of Rainbow, an organisation that gives assist for homosexual individuals in Nigeria the place same-sex relationships or public shows of affection are unlawful, and paid tribute to Hendricks’ bravery.

“Your management, braveness, and unwavering dedication to inclusive religion communities have left an indelible mark,” he mentioned.

Sadiq Lawal, a homosexual Muslim man residing in Nigeria, instructed the BBC that Hendricks, had made such an affect as he had made “the inconceivable attainable” by saying the phrases: “I am a queer imam.”

“He is a mentor to many queer Muslims in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, due to spiritual extremism,” he mentioned.

“I am nonetheless in shock and devastated.”