Mohsin Hendricks, the world’s first overtly homosexual imam was shot useless in Gqeberha, South Africa, final weekend whereas attending a marriage.
Based on the Division of Girls, Youth and Individuals with Disabilities, the motive behind Hendricks’s homicide stays unknown, nonetheless, there are suspicions that the crime may be a religiously motivated hate crime.
“This brutal homicide isn’t just about Imam Hendricks, it’s a direct assault on all actions, organizations and individuals advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa. We name on the South African Police Companies and all legislation enforcement businesses to strengthen their investigation, and observe the individuals accountable, for justice to prevail,” stated Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, the Deputy Minister for Girls, Youth and Individuals with Disabilities.
In 1996, Hendricks turned the primary imam on this planet to return out as homosexual, nonetheless, he was faraway from his place after popping out. He was the founding father of the Inside Circle, a world Muslim neighborhood advocating for a society free from discrimination primarily based on faith, sexual orientation and gender identification. He additionally established the LGBTQ-inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque and led the Al-Ghurbaah Basis, which supplies psycho-spiritual and social assist to Muslims marginalized as a consequence of sexual orientation, gender identification, and perception.
“Might Allah grant Imam Hendriks jannah. You have got been a terrific trainer, human and non secular mentor. An ideal father and a guardian of many, proceed resting with angels,” stated the Al-Ghurbaah Basis.
As well as, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), stated Hendricks performed a pivotal function in uniting Muslims no matter their sexual orientation and was a gallant fighter within the struggle in opposition to LGBTQ discrimination.
“IAM first had the pleasure of working with Muhsin throughout his tenure as founder and govt director of the Inside Circle, South Africa’s first queer mosque. Later, via the Al-Ghurbaah Basis, the Queer Interfaith Collective and different civil society pushed platforms,” stated IAM. “Muhsin’s journey with IAM turned a longstanding and fruitful one, and so we be a part of multitudes in deeply mourning the passing of a religion chief who has fiercely but gently championed and guarded LGBTIQ+ rights in South Africa, but in addition for Muslims internationally.”
Moreover, IAM stated their quest was to make sure Hendricks’s imaginative and prescient outlives him and continues to be an inspiration and shining beacon, “Even in his demise, we have a good time Imam Muhsin for his tireless contribution to constructing inclusive and affirming communities of religion, which he was dedicated to doing till his final breath. Might his imaginative and prescient to see an Islam that’s inclusive and compassion-centred outlive him, and proceed to liberate individuals from all walks of life.”
Moreso, the International Interfaith Community (GIN) stated the tragic demise of Hendricks was an immeasurable loss to the worldwide Muslim neighborhood, interfaith allies, and human rights defenders.
“Imam Muhsin was greater than only a spiritual chief, he was a pioneer, a visionary, and a beacon of hope for numerous marginalized Muslims worldwide. As the primary overtly homosexual Imam, he fearlessly championed an all-inclusive, compassion-centered Islam, dedicating his life to creating protected areas for queer Muslims, advocating for justice, and redefining religion as a supply of therapeutic somewhat than hurt,” stated GIN.
As well as GIN stated regardless of experiencing huge resistance from the Muslim neighborhood, he remained resolute in the direction of the struggle for a simply society not solely in South Africa however all through the continent and the world at giant.
“He performed a pivotal function in shaping interfaith advocacy that upholds the dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals of religion, making certain their voices are heard and revered on world platforms. His passing is an immeasurable loss to the worldwide Muslim neighborhood, interfaith allies, and human rights defenders all over the place. His legacy is not going to be erased, it’ll dwell on within the hearts and actions of those that proceed his mission,” added GIN.
Based on Pan Africa Ilga (PAI), the homicide of Hendricks is a stark reminder of the horrifying and harrowing on a regular basis experiences of the LGBTQ neighborhood in Africa.
“His homicide underscores the violent actuality that many LGBTIQ+ people, notably these in religion communities, proceed to face. Throughout Africa, spiritual fundamentalism is more and more being weaponized to justify discrimination and hurt in opposition to LGBTIQ+ individuals. The lack of Imam Hendricks isn’t just a loss for the Muslim LGBTIQ+ neighborhood, however for all those that imagine in justice, dignity, and the appropriate to exist freely,” stated Arlana Shikongo, PAI’s communications officer.
Moreover, Julia Ehrt, govt director for ILGA World, stated they’ve misplaced a peacemaker, a bridge builder and somebody who set an instance showcasing that reconciliation is feasible as evidenced by his endurance and perseverance.
“He supported and mentored so many individuals in South Africa and all over the world of their journey to reconcile with their religion, and his life has been a testomony to the therapeutic that solidarity throughout communities can usher in everybody’s lives. We name on authorities to totally examine what we concern could also be a hate crime,” stated Ehrt.
South Africa is probably the most liberal nation in Africa in terms of the safety and recognition of LGBTQ rights. Nonetheless, as a consequence of spiritual and cultural norms, the LGBTQ neighborhood is usually ostracized with little to no repercussions for the perpetrators.
