Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering figure dubbed the world's first openly gay imam, has been shot dead in South Africa. The 57-year-old cleric ran a mosque in Cape Town intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalized Muslims. He was killed on Saturday morning after the car in which he was traveling near the southern city of Gqeberha was ambushed. The details of the attack emerged through security footage that was shared on social media, showing a car pulling up and blocking the vehicle in which Hendricks was traveling as it was pulling away from the curb.

According to police, two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle. Hendricks was in the back seat. The killing has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. Julia Ehrt, executive director at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (Ilga), called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime. Hendricks' work challenged traditional interpretations of Islam and championed a compassionate, inclusive faith, and his life has been a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring in everyone's lives.

Hendricks came out as gay in 1996, which shocked the wider Muslim community in Cape Town and elsewhere. That same year, he founded The Inner Circle, an organization providing support and a safe space for queer Muslims seeking to reconcile their faith and sexuality before going on to establish the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque. He was the subject of a documentary in 2022 called The Radical, in which he said about the threats he faced: the need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die. Hendricks often spoke about the importance of interfaith dialogue and the need to address the mental health issues and trauma faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities.

Here are some key points about Muhsin Hendricks' life and work: * He was a pioneering figure and the world's first openly gay imam * He founded The Inner Circle, an organization providing support and a safe space for queer Muslims * He established the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town * He was the subject of a documentary in 2022 called The Radical * He often spoke about the importance of interfaith dialogue and the need to address the mental health issues and trauma faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities. The killing of Muhsin Hendricks has sparked an outpouring of tributes and calls for a thorough investigation into the killing. Reverend Jide Macaulay, an openly gay Anglican minister, described Hendricks' death as truly heartbreaking. Sadiq Lawal, a gay Muslim man living in Nigeria, told the BBC that Hendricks had made such an impact as he had made the impossible possible by saying the words: I'm a queer imam.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) said in a statement that they believe the killing may be a hate crime. Hendricks' death has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. His life and work will be remembered as a testament to the power of compassion, solidarity, and inclusivity. The investigation into his killing is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. As the world mourns the loss of Muhsin Hendricks, his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift marginalized communities around the world.