World’s first ‘openly gay Islamic cleric shot dead in South Africa

Imam Moegsien Hendricks, renowned as the world’s first openly gay Islamic cleric, has been brutally murdered in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

The incident occurred near the coastal city of Gqeberha, where Imam Hendricks had traveled to officiate a same-sex wedding ceremony.

According to reports, Imam Hendricks was scheduled to perform the wedding of a lesbian couple in Bethelsdorp on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Tragically, his life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.

Investigation into Imam Hendricks’ murder is currently underway, Diaspora Digital Media gathered.

*Family goes into hiding

DDM gathered that the family of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, the openly gay Muslim cleric who was murdered in Gqeberha, South Africa, has gone into hiding, according to reports.

The family’s decision to go into hiding is reportedly due to safety concerns and fear of reprisal attacks.

Hendricks’ cousin, Moegsien Hendricks, revealed that the family had been advised by the slain imam to keep a low profile in the event of his death.

“He had told us to lay low and not speak to the media if anything happened to him,” Moegsien said.

The police are still investigating the murder, and no arrests have been made yet.

The motive behind the killing is still unclear, but it is suspected to be a hate crime.

Homosexuality and Islam

Homosexuality is a complex and sensitive topic within Islam, with varying interpretations and perspectives among scholars, communities, and individuals.

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, does not explicitly mention homosexuality.

However, some verses are often interpreted as addressing same-sex relationships. For instance, the story of Prophet Lot (Lut) and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is often linked to homosexuality.

The Quranic account of Sodom and Gomorrah focuses on the people’s refusal to heed Prophet Lot’s warnings and their indulgence in sinful behavior, rather than specifically condemning homosexuality.

Some scholars argue that the Quranic narrative emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and righteousness, rather than singling out homosexuality as a sin.

This nuanced understanding highlights the complexity of interpreting Islamic texts.

Hadiths (Prophetic traditions) and scholarly opinions on homosexuality vary widely. A few Hadiths, such as those narrated by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah, appear to condemn homosexual acts.

However, the authenticity and interpretation of these Hadiths are disputed among scholars.

Some Islamic scholars have historically viewed homosexuality as a sinful act, while others have considered it a lesser sin or even a natural aspect of human diversity.

In recent years, there has been growing debate and discussion within Muslim communities about homosexuality.

Organizations like the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD) and the Inner Circle provide support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ Muslims.

Some Muslim scholars and activists have offered more inclusive and progressive interpretations of Islamic texts, arguing that they do not necessarily condemn homosexuality.

Despite these efforts, LGBTQ+ Muslims often face significant challenges, including social exclusion, family rejection, and even violence.

Conservative Muslim communities may view homosexuality as a Western influence or a threat to traditional values.

This has led to a climate of fear and silence, where many LGBTQ+ Muslims feel forced to hide their true identities or risk facing severe consequences.

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