Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been barred by Saudi Arabian authorities from entering the country to perform this year’s Hajj.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Sheikh Gumi disclosed that although the Saudi government had issued him a Hajj visa, he was denied entry upon arrival in Medina, preventing him from beginning his religious rites.
“For some obvious reasons, my views about the 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 pledge to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy,” he wrote.
“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.”
According to the BBC, Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for the pilgrimage.
He reportedly arrived in Medina last Saturday around 10:30 p.m. aboard an Umza Air flight alongside other clerics. However, upon arrival at the city’s airport, Saudi immigration officials denied him entry into the country.
