Sheikh Gumi Breaks Silence After Saudi Arabia Barred Him From Performing Hajj

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a well-known Islamic scholar from Nigeria, has been stopped from entering Saudi Arabia to take part in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

According to reports, Sheikh Gumi was among a group of clerics selected and sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to perform the pilgrimage.

He arrived in Medina on Saturday night around 10:30 p.m. aboard a flight operated by Umza Air, along with other religious leaders.

However, Saudi immigration officers at the airport refused him entry into the country.

This comes amid growing concerns over Gumi’s recent statements and social media posts, which have been openly critical of Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.

Confirming the incident on Monday, May 26, 2025, Gumi said that although he had been issued a Hajj visa, Saudi officials still denied him access to Medina, where he had planned to begin his pilgrimage.

In a Facebook post, the cleric hinted that the decision may have been influenced by politics, stating that his opinions on global affairs seem to have made Saudi authorities uneasy about his presence during the pilgrimage.

Gumi also thanked the Nigerian government for promising to discuss the matter with Saudi officials. He praised the country’s democratic values and said he would now use the time to focus on his health and personal matters.

He said: “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.

“Thanks to the Nigerian authorities, who 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. We should continue to pray for the safe return of all pilgrims, peace, and prosperity for our dear nation.”

To reflect on his situation, Gumi quoted a verse from the Qur’an (2:196), which speaks about being prevented from performing the pilgrimage and the spiritual guidance that follows in such situations.

“And accomplish the Hajj i.e, pilgrimage and the Umra for Allah, but if you are prevented, (slaughter) the offering available with you. (meaning, you are then free from Hajj or Umra),” he quoted Qur’an 2:196.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who is now back in Nigeria, has resumed his usual activities, including teaching.

KanyiDaily recalls that Sheikh Ahmad Gumi is known for negotiating with bandits in Nigeria before their declaration as terrorists by the Federal High Court in Abuja.