ABUJA, Nigeria — Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been barred and deported by Saudi authorities from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite receiving a visa. Gumi confirmed the incident on his official Facebook page on May 26, 2025.
In his post, Gumi revealed that he was set to travel for the pilgrimage but was denied entry into Medina, the starting point for the religious rites. He expressed his disappointment, stating that he understood the ban was linked to his views on world politics.
“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,” Gumi wrote, providing a detailed account of the bureaucratic challenge he faced.
Gumi was reportedly among a group of clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission to provide religious support to pilgrims during Hajj. His exclusion has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions surrounding freedom of expression, particularly for religious leaders.
In recent years, Gumi has been a vocal advocate and critic on various issues, particularly around national security and the plight of Muslims in Nigeria. His comments have attracted both support and opposition, making him a controversial figure in the public sphere.
This incident highlights the complexities surrounding international travel and the geopolitical tensions that can influence religious events such as Hajj. As the pilgrimage period approaches, it remains to be seen how this will affect Gumi’s followers and the broader community.
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