Mushin Hendrix, the world’s first imam, to be released as a homosexual in 1996, was shot dead in South Africa, which appears to be an ambush on February 15th. Eastern Cape Police confirmed that a 58-year-old person was killed for a possible targeted hate crime.
Police say Hendrix and the driver were inside a Bethelsdope Gold Volkswagen T-ROC SUV when the Silver Hilux double cab stopped in front of the car. Two unknown suspects with their faces covered, left the cab and fired multiple shots at VW before escaping the scene. The driver who survived the attack realized that Hendrix had been killed by a gunshot.
Security camera captured the attack video, Shared on social media. News sources have not confirmed that the video is legitimate and police told CNN they cannot comment on the video, citing an ongoing investigation.
Hendrix grew up in a conservative Muslim family and married a woman. He later ended his marriage and came out as a gay person.
The subject of the 2022 documentary, radicalHendrix founded the Al Gurbaa Foundation in Cape Town. Cape Town has established a religious organization and mosque that provides support and safe space for strange Muslims who are trying to reconcile their religious beliefs with their LGBTQ identity.
Hendrix has received intense criticism and even death threats from Muslims who believe homosexuality is incompatible with Islam. He told the South Africans newspaper In 2022, he is a target of a series of fatwas – an Islamic law ruling – was issued by the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa.
Fatwas reminded the country’s Muslims that Islam bans same-sex relationships, but ascetic gay Muslims are welcomed at mosques.
Police have not commented on the official motives for the shooting, but political parties and LGBTQ organisations cited the establishment of the Al-Gurbaa Foundation in the Imam as a possible reason.
The South African Judicial and Constitutional Development Agency, investigating the incident, claimed that Hendrix was the target of “assassination.” In a statement, the department has pledged to “track and monitor the distribution of justice” if he was “sad” by Hendrix’s murder and his murder is determined to be a hate crime. I stated.
The Democratic Union, South Africa’s second largest political party, has issued a statement saying that “the nature of the killing strongly suggests a professional hit.”
The Muslim Judicial Council condemned the “shocking murder” in a statement despite public criticism of Hendrix’s views on homosexuality.
“The murders are said to have been motivated by hatred towards Muhsin Hendrix, due to his views on same-sex relationships. MJC said Muhsin’s position is not compatible with Islamic teachings. While we consistently maintain this, we clearly condemn violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community or other community,” the council said.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) condemned the murder of the Imam at a conference last year.
“Families in the Irga World are deeply shocked by the news of Mushin Hendrix’s murder,” said Julia Eyre, executive director of Irga World. statement. “He supported and guided many people in South Africa and around the world on a journey to reconcile with their faith. His life is a healing experience in which solidarity throughout the community can bring to life for everyone. It’s proof.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
