Statement Condemning the Tragic Murder of Imam Muhsin Hendricks
It is with profound sorrow and outrage that we condemn the brutal murder of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a courageous queer religious scholar and advocate for inclusivity and justice. In Bangladesh and elsewhere, religious zealots, Islamofascists, and Islamists are supporting the murder of Muhsin Hendricks and justifying the killing of queer Muslims. This heinous act is a grave injustice, an affront to the principles of Islam, and a stain upon humanity.
Islam is a religion of peace, love, mercy, and justice. It teaches us to stand by the oppressed and marginalized and to oppose oppression and injustice. The taking of an innocent life is one of the gravest sins in the sight of Allah. The Qur'an unequivocally states:
"Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely." (Qur'an 5:32)
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also warned against such acts of violence, emphasizing the sanctity of life:
"The destruction of the entire world is lighter in the sight of Allah than the unjust killing of a believer." (Sunan an-Nasa’i 3987)
Imam Muhsin dedicated his life to fostering a more compassionate and inclusive understanding of Islam. His scholarship and advocacy sought to bridge divides, uplift marginalized voices, and remind us of the Qur'anic principle:
"There is no compulsion in religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong." (Qur'an 2:256)
To those who falsely claim to act in the name of Islam while committing acts of hatred and violence, we remind them that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) never sanctioned murder, or harm against those with whom he disagreed. Regarding queer individuals, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) protected a Mukhannath ( a queer and sexual minority group of early Islamic Arab) from a mob that sought to kill him/her/them. Our Nabi (SAW) exemplified patience, dialogue, and justice.
We call upon religious leaders, governments, & communities worldwide to unequivocally denounce such hate crimes and work towards a world where no person fears for their life due to their identity, beliefs, or advocacy for rights and justice. May those responsible for this crime be held accountable, and may Allah grant Imam Muhsin Hendricks eternal peace and elevate his rank among the righteous.
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
"Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return." (Qur'an 2:156)
We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the true spirit of Islam—one of mercy, justice, and love for all humanity.
