The world's first openly gay imam in the Muslim faith was shot and killed in what local authorities say may be a hate crime.

A man hailed as the world’s first imam to say he was gay was shot dead in South Africa on Saturday, local police said, in what rights groups fear could be a hate crime.

Muhsin Hendricks was credited by some as being the world’s first openly gay imam and helped Muslims reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation.

A man regarded as the first openly gay Muslim imam has been fatally shot while sitting in a car in South Africa in what many are calling an assassination because of his teachings.

ALBAWABA - South African police confirmed on Sunday that Muhsin Hendricks, who is known to be the world’s "first openly gay imam," was shot dead.Police

Muhsin Hendricks, South Africa's first openly gay imam and a prominent advocate for LGBTQI+ rights within the country's Muslim community, was shot dead in an apparent assassination in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) in the Nelson Mandela municipality.

Muhsin Hendricks, renowned as the first openly gay Imam, was tragically killed in South Africa. Police report unclear motives behind the shooting. Advocates mourn his passing, highlighting his efforts in supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims.

CCTV footage of the incident shows a hooded figure running out of a pick-up truck that was blocking Hendricks' vehicle and then firing shots through the window. The imam was well known for his work in creating a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims and his killing shocked the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Muhsin Hendricks, considered the world's first openly gay imam who was gunned down last weekend in South Africa, stood as a man who valued authenticity -- both in action and