In memory of Muhsin Hendricks

RFSL is deeply saddened by the loss of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, who was a South African Imam, Islamic scholar and activist. He made an important impact with his advocacy for greater acceptance of LGBTQI people within Islam. He has been described as the world’s first openly gay Imam, having come out in 1996. Hendricks was tragically executed in a targeted attack on 15 February 2025. 

In 2009, he contributed to a dialogue on inclusive faith practices with RFSL in Stockholm, and has made a tremendous impact internationally over the years, with his messages of love, humility and acceptance. RFSL mourns the loss of such a tremendous leader, and we are grateful for the contributions he has made to our work, and to the global LGBTQI community. We are especially impressed by the impact he has made on young, feminist queer muslim leaders in South Africa, who have participated in RFSL’s training programs. It is evident that his teachings and legacy lives on, in the work of young leaders who adored him. 

In 2011, he founded Al Ghurbaah in South Africa, a mosque which is a safe space for LGBTQI and other marginalized Muslims. Our thoughts are with Muhsin Hendricks loved ones, as well with the community of Al Ghurbaah during this difficult time. 

Our thoughts are also with the community of the Global Interfaith Network (GIN SSOGIE), our partner organization who is devastated by this loss. We also send our support to the inclusive Islamic and interfaith communities across the globe who are devastated by his passing.