Renowned as the world’s first openly gay imam, South African religious leader Muhsin Hendricks was fatally shot on February 15, 2025, in what many suspect was a targeted attack. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief worldwide, alongside divisive online reactions—some honoring his legacy while others controversially justifying the violence against him.
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Hendricks’ passing has reignited a broader discussion on the place of LGBTQ+ individuals in Islam. His friend and fellow scholar Amanullah De Sondy, an expert on Muslim sexuality and masculinity, pays tribute to his work while reflecting on the deeper issues this tragedy highlights.
Who Was Imam Muhsin Hendricks?
Born in Cape Town in 1967, Muhsin Hendricks grew up in a devout Muslim family. Initially conforming to traditional expectations, he married a woman and had children before publicly coming out as gay in 1996. Later in life, he married a Hindu man—an act that challenged prevailing religious norms on both same-sex unions and interfaith relationships.
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Hendricks was widely respected for his scholarship in Islam, earning recognition as a leading voice for queer Muslims. He established significant LGBTQ+ Muslim organizations in South Africa, fostering an inclusive space for believers from Karachi to London.
Before becoming an imam, Hendricks worked as an Arabic teacher and fashion designer. His religious journey took him to international institutions, including a seminary in Pakistan, where he formally trained as an imam and later led mosque congregations.
His groundbreaking efforts in advocating for LGBTQ+ Muslims have left an indelible mark, ensuring that his influence will continue to be felt even in the wake of his tragic death.
