Kaduna based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has opened up after he was barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage by Saudi Arabia.
Gumi, who had his visa, was deported back to Nigeria for undisclosed reasons.
In a post upon his return to Nigeria, he wrote: “For some obvious reasons- my views about world politics- the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable with me being at the Hajj, even after issuing a visa!
“Thanks to the Nigerian authorities who immediately made it clear they would engage with the Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy.”
Gumi has now hinted that his ban was related to his past criticism of the Saudi leadership.
“Saudi Arabia is a police state where you have no freedom of expression.
“We, on the other hand, were raised in freedom here in Nigeria, and I value that more than anything. In Saudi Arabia, when a mistake is made, people are expected to remain silent.
“That contradicts Islamic principles, which do not condone silence in the face of wrongdoing. That is the root of our misunderstanding”.
On whether he was not afraid he could still be stopped in the future, Gumi had this to say: “It’s not compulsory that I must go for Hajj. Even Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio never performed Hajj, yet look at the immense service he rendered to Islam. So no, I am not afraid of being banned.
“We are only helping them correct their mistakes—just as they try to reform society.
“This is an error on their part, but let it be known: anyone who tries to prevent people from visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca will not last.”
Gumi, who remained undaunted, said further: “If you are going to stand for truth, you must be prepared to endure. Truth is not loved by everyone.
“While Saudi Arabia has done a lot to help many countries, it’s now on a path of self-destruction. Any Muslim nation that aligns itself with Western powers is bound to face ruin.
“This is exactly what happened when the Arab world followed the British in ousting the Ottomans—only for the British to betray them by giving Palestine to the Jews.
“Not everyone in Saudi Arabia supports what’s happening. Even descendants of King Faisal once resisted Western influence. So why should we, who enjoy freedom of speech in Nigeria, remain silent?
“How can you witness what’s happening in Palestine and stay silent? How can someone funding and arming this oppression be honored, while Muslims are disregarded?
“No—we will not stop speaking out unless they change. And if they don’t, we will continue to speak.”
Source: Daily Post