Abdelrahman
Tragic Murder of South African Imam Sparks Fear and Resolve Within LGBTQ+ Community
By Khanyi Ngcobo, BBC News, Johannesburg
The recent execution-style murder of Muhsin Hendricks, an openly gay imam in South Africa, has left the LGBTQ+ community shaken and fearful for their safety. Yet, amidst the grief, many remain resolute in their fight against marginalization within religious spheres.
Reverend Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe, an openly gay Christian leader, expressed to the BBC that Hendricks embodied a "gentle spirit" and illuminated every space he entered. "The void left by Muhsin is enormous," she stated, acknowledging the profound grief shared among queer Muslims globally.
Hendricks, aged 57, was fatally shot in what appears to be a targeted attack in Gqeberha on Saturday. Initial claims that he was there to officiate a same-sex wedding have since been denied by his Al-Gurbaah Foundation, which clarified that he was in town to oversee the marriages of two interfaith heterosexual couples at the time of his tragic death.
Details surrounding why these couples sought Hendricks as their officiant remain uncertain, but they indicate his willingness to challenge societal norms even in his final moments. Unlike traditional imams in South Africa, who rarely conduct interfaith marriages, Hendricks was known for his progressive approach.
Reportedly, he had performed at least one such ceremony before his life was abruptly taken while he was in his vehicle, heading to facilitate another wedding.
In recent weeks, Hendricks’ murder has garnered condemnation from two leading organizations representing imams in South Africa: the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA). Both entities emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence within a pluralistic society while denouncing all forms of extrajudicial killings. However, given Hendricks’ controversial stance on LGBTQ+ issues, he was often viewed with disdain by conservative Islamic circles. The MJC and UUCSA notably refrained from using religious titles when referring to him, calling him "Mr. Hendricks."
In contrast, supporters hailed Hendricks as the pioneering openly gay imam, helping many reconcile their faith with their sexual identity. His trailblazing role is fitting, as South Africa’s constitution—ratified in 1996—was the first globally to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Further, South Africa made history in 2006 by becoming the first African nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Hendricks himself had previously been in a heterosexual marriage with children before publicly coming out in 1996. He later broke another societal taboo by marrying a Hindu man.
Hendricks also founded The Inner Circle, a supportive social group for queer Muslims that started in his Cape Town home and has vastly supported local LGBTQ+ individuals in reconciling their faith with their identities despite the challenges they face.
While South Africa boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, instances of stigma and violence persist, making Hendricks’ murder a painful reminder of the exposure faced by those who dare to live authentically. Only a few religious groups, such as the Dutch Reformed Church and the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, have adopted inclusive policies toward the LGBTQ+ community.
The Reverend Ecclesia de Lange, Director at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), pointed out that despite some faith organizations taking steps toward inclusion, there are still resolute conservative factions.
Reflecting on the shockwaves caused by Hendricks’ death, Dr. Fatima Essop, an Islamic Studies senior lecturer at the University of the Western Cape, lamented the vitriol on social media following the incident, stressing the importance of compassion and humanity in Islamic teachings. She condemned the violence against Hendricks while acknowledging that such incidents instill fear in those grappling with their sexual orientation.
Despite the heightened risks, community leaders like Reverend Kruger-Ayebazibwe remain undeterred in their advocacy for change, understanding how critical their work is for the future. Hendricks has already been laid to rest in a private ceremony, though his Al-Gurbaah Foundation plans to hold a memorial to celebrate his remarkable contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
Teboho Klaas, a religion program officer at The Other Foundation, which focuses on LGBTQ+ rights in southern Africa, poignantly remarked that while Hendricks’ life was tragically cut short, his legacy and impact will continue to resonate, inspiring countless others to stand up for their identities and rights.
