Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been denied entry into Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj despite obtaining a visa, with authorities reportedly uncomfortable with his political commentary.
In a Facebook post Monday, Gumi disclosed he was barred upon arrival in Medina despite traveling with a NAHCON-sponsored delegation. “For some obvious reasons, my views about world politics made Saudi authorities uncomfortable,” he wrote, thanking Nigerian officials for intervening. The cleric arrived Saturday night but was stopped by immigration at Medina Airport.
Gumi’s recent social media posts criticizing Saudi Arabia and its allies appear to be the cause. In March, he shared footage of Israeli settlers abusing Palestinian women with the caption: “Israel: No respect for women, children and human rights.” Last week, he condemned Donald Trump’s visit to Arab nations.
While returning to Nigeria, Gumi stated he would focus on health and farming, urging prayers for pilgrims. The incident highlights growing tensions between Saudi authorities and vocal Muslim scholars worldwide.
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