2025 Hajj: Saudi Arabia Deports Sheikh Gumi

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Sheikh Gumi, based in Kaduna, confirmed the incident in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Monday.

According to Gumi, he had obtained a visa for the pilgrimage but was denied entry into Medina due to his political views.

“Despite holding a valid visa, the Saudi authorities refused me entry because of my views on global politics,” he wrote.

Gumi had traveled to Saudi Arabia with a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The delegation arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina on Saturday night via Umza Air. However, upon arrival, Saudi immigration officials reportedly denied Gumi entry, stopped him at the airport, and placed him on a return flight to Nigeria.

In his statement, Sheikh Gumi thanked Nigerian authorities for their support and stated that they have pledged to engage with Saudi officials for clarification and a resolution.

“I am grateful to the Nigerian authorities who have assured me of their efforts to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he said.

A NAHCON source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the deportation. The source said the Commission was taken aback by Saudi Arabia’s decision, particularly since all members of the delegation had valid visas and met the required criteria for Hajj participation.

Although Saudi authorities have not issued an official explanation, observers believe the deportation may be linked to Sheikh Gumi’s outspoken political and religious views, which often challenge Saudi policies. In recent years, Gumi has been involved in dialogue with armed groups in northern Nigeria and has openly criticized both Western and Middle Eastern political interventions.

The incident has sparked widespread debate within religious communities and the general public, raising concerns about the impact of political beliefs on fulfilling religious obligations.

As of this report, there has been no official statement from either the Saudi embassy in Nigeria or the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria, where he has resumed his preaching and teaching activities.