Saudi Arabia has denied prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi entry for the 2025 Hajj, despite his valid visa and inclusion in Nigeria’s official delegation.
Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been barred by Saudi Arabian authorities from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Despite holding a valid visa and traveling with Nigeria’s official religious delegation, Gumi was turned back at the Medina airport last Saturday.
In a Facebook post titled “My Hajj 2025!”, he suggested political motives behind the decision, saying: “For some obvious reasons, my views about world politics, the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj.”
Gumi praised Nigerian authorities for pledging to address the matter. He also quoted Qur’an 2:196, reflecting on being prevented from completing the pilgrimage.