Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Reporter
The Muslim community in South Africa has been urged to remain steadfast and uphold peace and mutual respect, following the killing of Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay Imam.
His murder, alleged to be a hate crime, has been condemned by several Muslim organisations in the country. Imam Rashied Omar of the Claremont Main Road Masjid said he was deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murder of Hendricks.
Hendricks was shot and killed on the morning of February 15, in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. Hendricks was the leader of the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation in Wynberg, Cape Town.
The Foundation said in a statement that Hendricks was gunned down while attending the weddings of two interfaith heterosexual couples. It said as a certified marriage officer, he made himself available to officiate interfaith marriages, in alignment with his principles of equality and religious unity. His death has sparked widespread shock internationally, and authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder.
“We unequivocally condemn this tragic, cowardly, and merciless targeted assassination of this Muslim leader within the LGBTQI+ community. We are profoundly shocked and deeply disturbed by this extreme act of violence. At the heart of our faith is the absolute sanctity, reverence and sacredness of human life. Islam teaches that the unjust killing of a single soul is akin to killing all of humanity (Qur’an 5:32),” said Omar.
Omar said no theological dispute, no matter how profound, and no jurisprudential difference, no matter how contested, can ever justify murder.
“We call upon the South African Police Services to act swiftly in bringing the Perpetrator/s to justice for this extrajudicial assassination and to establish the facts relating to the killing of a queer Muslim leader, human rights activist, and someone who upheld the dignity of all people. Extrajudicial killings violate every ethical, moral, and spiritual principle we uphold,” said Omar.
He said acts of hate, wanton violence, and criminality have no place in our communities and our faith and traditions. “Dialogue, respect, understanding, and a commitment to justice is the hallmark of our faith and our approach to resolving differences. To his family, loved ones, and all within the community and beyond mourning his passing, and are fearful now, we extend our heartfelt embrace and condolences,” said Omar.
The Muslim Judicial Council and the United Ulama Council of SA said while Islamic teachings unequivocally prohibit same-sex relationships, they condemn all forms of extrajudicial killings. They have also urged the public to refrain from making speculative statements until a thorough investigation into the motive of the murder is investigated. “Islamic teachings prohibit same-sex relationships, an aspect the deceased is known to have been advocating. However, UUCSA condemns all forms of extrajudicial killings, as they undermine the rule of law and contribute to societal instability,” he said
Moulana Yusuf Patel, Secretary General of UUCSA. Patel called on everyone to act responsibly. “Avoid spreading unverified information, and refrain from making assumptions that have the potential to heighten tension and put others at risk, based on mere suspicion. At this point, it is important that all members of society should allow the relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident, ensuring that justice is served based on evidence and due process rather than on hearsay or rumours,” said Patel.
Meanwhile, Kgalalelo Masibi, a spokesman for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, expressed their outrage over Hendrick’s killing.
The department noted his contributions to interfaith dialogue, LGBTQ+ rights, and his work in bridging the gap between Islam and sexual diversity. “Hendricks had long been a beacon of hope for many, particularly within the LGBTQ+ Muslim community, advocating for a re-examination of Islamic teachings on sexual orientation and gender identity,” said department spokesperson Masibi.
Masibi added that Hendricks was known for his independent research and activism, particularly his work around the National Intervention Strategy on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression. “He participated in the 2024 International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association World Conference in Cape Town, where his voice was vital in advocating for human rights related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Department has reaffirmed its commitment to the Constitutional values that Hendricks championed, which emphasise equality and non-discrimination,” said Masibi.
Masibi added the department has vowed to support the investigation into Hendricks’ death. “We stand in solidarity with the queer community and all individuals who have faced discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Muhsin Hendricks’ murder is a reminder of the critical importance of continued efforts to create a society where human dignity and equality are respected,” said Masibi.
