Muhsin Hendricks, an openly gay imam, Islamic scholar and LGBT rights activist was shot and killed in Gqeberha, South Africa as he was leaving to officiate an interfaith marriage.

Muhsin Hendricks was credited by some as being the world’s first openly gay imam and helped Muslims reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation.

The world's first openly gay imam in the Muslim faith was shot and killed in what local authorities say may be a hate crime.

LGBTQ+ advocates are fearful the killing was a hate crime as Hendricks came out as the world’s first openly gay imam in 1996.

Most headlines call him the “world’s first openly gay imam,” a newsworthy descriptor but hardly the whole story. Beyond Muhsin’s work with queer Muslims, he was a pillar of queer rights activism and the queer interfaith movement globally. He was a father, a grandfather and a friend.

Muhsin Hendricks, an imam who was outspoken in his support of queer people in the South Africa's Muslim community, was murdered on Saturday in Gqeberha. It is reported that he was the world's first openly gay imam.

ALBAWABA - South African police confirmed on Sunday that Muhsin Hendricks, who is known to be the world’s "first openly gay imam," was shot dead.Police

Muhsin Hendricks, renowned as the first openly gay Imam, was tragically killed in South Africa. Police report unclear motives behind the shooting. Advocates mourn his passing, highlighting his efforts in supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims.

Analysis - Dubbed the "world's first openly gay Imam", South African religious leader Muhsin Hendricks was gunned down on 15 February 2025 in an attack that many believe was targeted. Tributes have poured in across the world,

Muhsin Hendricks showed the world that "it's possible to be both queer and a devout Muslim," says his longtime friend and colleague.