Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has disclosed that Saudi Arabian authorities denied him entry into the country despite granting him a visa to perform the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Gumi, 64, explained that although he received a valid Hajj visa, he was stopped from entering Medina, where he was to begin the religious rites.
“For reasons clearly tied to my political views on global affairs, the Saudi authorities became uncomfortable with my presence despite issuing me a visa,” Gumi wrote.
He expressed appreciation to Nigerian officials, stating that they had promised to address the matter with the Saudi government. “That is the beauty of our democracy and freedom,” he added.
Gumi also noted that he would now use the time to focus on his health and agricultural activities, while calling on Nigerians to pray for the safe return of pilgrims and continued peace and progress in the country.
According to reports by the BBC, Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON). He arrived in Medina on Saturday night via an Umza Air flight, alongside other clerics. However, Saudi immigration officials reportedly barred him from entering the city upon arrival.
Sheikh Gumi has been an outspoken critic of Saudi Arabia and other Arab regimes in recent months, sharing several posts on his verified social media accounts that express strong opinions on Middle Eastern politics.
In March 2025, he posted a video showing settlers allegedly abusing Palestinian women, commenting: “Israel: No respect for women, children, and human rights.”
On May 15, he shared a video criticizing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visits to Arab nations, accusing Arab leaders of prioritizing the preservation of their monarchies over justice and human rights.
“These leaders are only focused on securing their thrones. They fear opposition and are afraid of Western powers like America and France,” Gumi said in the video.
He further criticized Arab leaders for allegedly welcoming Trump while he supported actions against Palestinians and facilitated investments for the U.S.
In another post on May 13, Gumi shared an Al Jazeera report on Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia and wrote: “Trump in KSA while bombing Yemen and supporting Israel’s genocide by South African standards.”
In a past interview with Daily Trust, Gumi dismissed the idea of a Two-State Solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating instead for a unified, inclusive region modeled after the religious diversity in America.
