Controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has knocked the Saudi Arabian authorities for deporting and barring him from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The prominent Kaduna-based cleric, who confirmed his deportation in a post on his official Facebook page, yesterday, noted that the Saudi government was uncomfortable with his presence at the Hajj.
He said although he was granted a visa to enter the Kingdom for Hajj, Saudi immigration officials denied him entry into Medina upon arrival.
“Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a visa.”
Sheikh Gumi, however, thanked the authorities in Nigeria who he said have pledged to engage with the Saudi government on the matter.
Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to offer religious services during the 2025 pilgrimage. He reportedly arrived in Medina on Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight, along with other clerics.
However, shortly after landing around 10:30pm, Saudi immigration officials stopped him from proceeding into the city. He was subsequently put on a return flight to Nigeria.
His statement on his Facebook account read:
“Alhamdulillahi I’ve already completed my Hajj 2025 and I’m at home in our beloved country Nigeria.
“Allah said in Q2/196: And accomplish the Hajj i.e pilgrimage and the Umrah for Allah, but if you are prevented, (slaughter) the offering available with you. (meaning, you are then free from Hajj or Umrah).
“For some obvious reasons, my views about world politics, the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj Visa.”
Gumi thanked Nigerian authorities, who he said have pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities.
“That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy. I’m now free to attend to my health and farming activities,” he said.
“We should continue to pray for the safe return of all pilgrims, peace and prosperity for our dear nation.”