World’s ’first openly gay imam’ killed in car ambush

Muhsin Hendricks – considered to be the world’s first openly gay imam – has been shot dead during an ambush on his car in South Africa.

The Islamic scholar and LGBTQ+ activist who ran a mosque in Cape Town intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims.

The 57-year-old was killed on Saturday morning after the car in which he was travelling in was attacked near the southern city of Gqeberha.

‘Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the car and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,’ the Eastern Cape force said.

‘Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed.’

Footage circulating on social media shows the assassination of the imam in broad daylight.

Hendricks gets ready for the start of the Jumu’ah prayer at the Inner Circle Mosque, in Wynberg, Cape Town (Picture: AFP)

An assailant is seen jumping out of a car, running to the ambushed vehicle and shooting several time through the back passenger window.

‘The motive for the murder is unknown,’ police said, urging anybody with information to come forward.

The imam was shot after he had reportedly officiated at a lesbian wedding, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Hendricks’ death has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa and beyond.

Tributes from across the globe have been paid to the pioneering figure as the community in Cape Town is reeling from his killling.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association denounced the attack.

Hendricks had built up a small, loyal congregation by helping worshippers try to reconcile their sexuality and their religion 

‘The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime,’ executive director Julia Ehrt said in a statement.

Openly queer pastor Revd Jide Macaulay described Hendricks’ death as a ‘profound loss, one that leaves a void in our hearts and in the movement for liberation and inclusion’.

He wrote about their first meeting in 2009 when the imam led a retreat and study days in Cape Town: ‘From that moment we forged a deep connection – one built on shared purpose, mutual inspiration, and an unshakable commitment to justice.

‘As an openly queer Pastor and you as a queer imam, we found joy and strength in our work, challenging the rigid boundaries of faith and sexuality.

‘Together, we contributed to a growing theological discourse that gave voice to LGBTQ+ people of faith.

‘You played an instrumental role in many of the events we envisioned, created, and hosted – both across Africa and around the world.

This is truly heartbreaking????. Rest in peace, Muhsin Hendricks.

May Allah bring justice for those responsible for your untimely passing.

I first met you in 2009 when you led a retreat and study days in Cape Town. From that moment, we forged a deep connection—one built on shared… pic.twitter.com/rfBneJrbOW

— Revd Mother Jide ‘Emeka’ Macaulay HHH ™ (@RevJide) February 15, 2025

‘Your leadership, courage, and unwavering dedication to inclusive faith communities have left an indelible mark.’

Hendricks, involved in various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, came out as gay in 1996.

He ran the Al-Ghurbaah mosque at Wynberg near his birthplace Cape Town.

According to its website, the mosque provides ‘a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalised women can practise Islam.’.

Hendricks, the subject of a 2022 documentary called ‘The Radical’, had previously alluded to threats against him.

But he insisted that ‘the need to be authentic’ was ‘greater than the fear to die’.