Controversy in the Holy Land: Saudi Arabia Bans Sheikh Gumi from 2025 Hajj over Critical Sermons

Prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been barred by Saudi Arabian authorities from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage despite holding a valid visa—an action that has triggered a wave of reactions and debate across Nigeria and beyond.

Gumi, known for his outspoken views on regional and global politics, confirmed his return to Nigeria in a social media post on Monday, stating that Saudi authorities found his presence at the pilgrimage “uncomfortable.”

“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,” he posted. “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.”

While he did not elaborate further, investigations by DAILY POST indicate that the ban may be linked to Sheikh Gumi’s critical sermons, particularly those challenging Saudi Arabia’s ongoing shift from traditional Islamic governance to a more modern and globally-aligned political system.

Sources say Gumi believes that this transformation is eroding the Kingdom’s religious foundation and Islamic identity. In several public sermons, he has openly condemned what he sees as the monarchy’s increasing alignment with Western powers—an ideological stance that appears to have placed him at odds with Riyadh.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Friday, Sheikh Gumi reaffirmed his position, insisting that he will not be silenced. “Saudi Arabia is a police state where you have no freedom of expression,” he said. “We, on the other hand, were raised in freedom here in Nigeria, and I value that more than anything.”

He added, “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.”

When asked if he feared being banned again, the cleric responded defiantly:
“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.”

Gumi also warned that denying access to Islam’s holy sites for political reasons is a dangerous precedent. “Let it be known: anyone who tries to prevent people from visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca will not last.”

The cleric directly linked his ban to his sermons, stating, “If you are going to stand for truth, you must be prepared to endure. Truth is not loved by everyone. Saudi Arabia is on a path of self-destruction.”

He further criticized Saudi Arabia’s alliances with Western powers, citing historical grievances such as the British betrayal of Arab lands following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. “Any Muslim nation that aligns itself with Western powers is bound to face ruin,” he warned.

Efforts by DAILY POST to obtain a response from the Saudi embassy in Nigeria were unsuccessful, as the embassy’s media officer, Mohammed El-Sahabi, did not respond to inquiries.

The incident marks a significant moment in Nigeria–Saudi relations, particularly in northern Nigeria, where Saudi Arabia maintains significant religious influence and soft power. Many Islamic scholars from the region have studied in Saudi institutions, often supported by government scholarships, and are expected to uphold the Kingdom’s image.

Sheikh Gumi’s open defiance, therefore, stands out as a rare challenge to Riyadh from within its traditional circle of influence. Whether the controversy will impact broader diplomatic ties remains to be seen, but for now, it has sparked a national conversation about faith, freedom, and the politics of pilgrimage.