GQEBERHA – The brutal killing of openly gay imam Muhsin Hendricks in Gqeberha, where he had traveled to officiate a same-sex wedding over the weekend, has sent shockwaves across South Africa, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!While details surrounding the murder remain unclear, the Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB) has strongly condemned the act, emphasizing that, regardless of religious or ideological differences, Hendricks’ death is unconstitutional and unacceptable.
“We can undoubtedly state that his killing was unconstitutional,” the CTUB declared in a statement.
The board acknowledged that while the majority of South African Muslims did not align with Hendricks’ views, no difference in belief could ever justify violence.
“Islam has and will always have a variety of understandings, some of which may not be accepted by other Muslims. However, no belief or difference in opinion justifies violence,” the statement read.
The CTUB also addressed the broader discourse surrounding Islam, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights, warning against conflating Hendricks’ murder with political debates. They urged the public to allow law enforcement to investigate thoroughly and ensure justice is served.
“Islamic teachings firmly condemn violence, murder, or actions that undermine the law and destabilize society. Therefore, we urge our communities to allow the law to investigate the incident thoroughly, and through due process, we hope to maintain peace and order,” the board stated.
The murder has intensified discussions on religious tolerance, human rights, and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa, as activists and community leaders call for an urgent investigation into the crime.
