I am a Muslim woman living in Waterloo, and this is my howl against the targeted murder of globally recognized Imam Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world’s first openly gay imam, on Feb. 15, 2025 in South Africa, as well as the deeply disturbing lack of response from local mosques and Muslim organizations.
While this murder occurred internationally, the deafening silence from our local Muslim community underlines the discrimination, disrespect and sometimes threatening behaviour queer and trans Muslims encounter from the Muslim and larger community in this area.
Imam Muhsin Hendricks was a visionary, a pioneer, an activist for justice and a beacon of hope for marginalized Muslims around the world.
He dedicated his life to creating safe spaces for prayer and supportive community for queer and trans Muslims, while redefining faith as a source of healing. Imam Muhsin envisioned Islam as an inclusive and compassion-centred faith. He bravely ignored many death threats throughout his life.
For his beliefs and actions, he was gunned down while on his way to officiate at an interfaith wedding. He was a victim of the compounded hatred that Muslim LGBTQIA+ individuals face in our world.
Since his murder, I have vigilantly waited for a statement from our local mosques and Muslim organizations decrying this hate crime and murder of a well-known Muslim, but to no avail.
These organisations have rightfully and prominently condemned acts of Islamophobic violence when Muslims are targeted. But when a courageous Muslim leader is murdered for being authentic to himself and authentic to God, for bravely living as both Muslim and queer, and for offering refuge and compassion to those who are struggling with spiritual trauma and despair, there is, ironically, only silence.
Should we not, as Muslims, be rallying to strengthen the fight against all forms of hate crimes and discrimination? Should we not publicly vow to dismantle intolerance that continues to breed such violence?
While many “mainstream” Muslims disavow queer and trans Muslims, believing that “you can’t be gay and Muslim”, should we not, nevertheless, advocate for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, even amidst divergent views?
How can it ever be right to comment on social media that a queer Muslim’s death is justified because “he brought it on himself”?
My belief as a Muslim is that Islam is a faith of justice, peace, and compassion. Allah is my only Judge, and Allah is All Merciful. At the heart of Islam is the sanctity and sacredness of human life. ALL human life.
I am the co-founder of the K-W Unity Mosque, a gender equal, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive mosque, and my siblings and I offered a Janaza (funeral) prayer for Imam Muhsin after his death.
We call on all Muslims and those from the larger community to relinquish hatred and fear of queer and trans individuals, and to practice compassion for all human beings. Let this compassion be Imam Muhsin’s legacy.
Salaam and peace to you all.
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