The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria adds its voice to the outpouring of mourning following the news of the death of Imam Muhsin Hendricks. Imam Hendricks was a stalwart in the LGBTIQ+ Muslim community in South Africa and paved the way for the recognition and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons in the Muslim community globally.

Imam Hendrick was the first openly gay Muslim religious leader and founded ‘Inner Circle’, an organisation dedicated to providing support for LGBTIQ+ Muslims. Imam Hendricks participated in the Centre for Human Rights short course events, lecturing about the importance of inclusivity, justice, and compassion; and he was included as a 2017 ‘African Queer Icon’.

Imam Hendricks’s life as an LGBTIQ+ activist began later in his life, when at the age of 29, he came out as gay to his family - despite social and religious pressures to conform. From then, he dedicated his life to creating safe spaces for Muslim persons to practice their faith without fear of persecution. His work was not only dedicated to theological discourse, but about upholding the dignity of queer persons in South Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights will continue to mourn this loss for years to come, but his legacy will remain an inspiration to all who are committed to equality and justice. The Centre’s thoughts and prayers go to his family, loved ones, congregation, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.