Company

Inner Circle

South Africa

Muhsin studied Arabic and Islamic Jurisprudence at the Islamic University of Karachi (Jamia Dirasat in Karachi Pakistan). He was a practicing Imam and teacher in his community before he came out.We provide support to Muslims who are being marginalized based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. History of Al Fitrah Foundation The Inner Circle started as a social support group in 1996 when some Sufi oriented Muslims realised the need to create support for queer Muslims. Imam Muhsin Hendricks ex scholar of the University of Karachi Jamia Dirasaat (1990 1994) pioneered the venture with a vision to reconcile sexual orientation and gender identity with Islam. Imam Muhsin created a safe space in a corner of his garage and brought together 25 gay men into dialogue providing psycho spiritual support and helping them to reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation and gender identity. This was co incidentally at the same time as the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa where the Bill of Rights (Chapter 2 Section 9) clearly states that The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds including race gender sex pregnancy marital status ethnic or social origin colour sexual orientation age disability religion conscience belief culture language and birth. A year later the group became more inclusive and dynamic by inviting similarly challenged lesbians to join the group and the membership rose to 36 members. During this period the focus was predominantly on the trauma and suffering of members. Members were not equipped with sufficient professional support to contain the emotions and personal challenges that emerged. This coupled with the fact that the group was not sufficiently focused on the personal and social needs of its members led to a shift in focus and people exiting the organization in 1997.

Other

South Africa

Capacity Building