Earlier in the week, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a respected Islamic scholar based in Kaduna, returned to Nigeria after being barred from entering Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Despite holding a valid visa, the Saudi government reportedly denied him access, raising questions and debate among many Nigerians.
Sheikh Gumi, who shared the development on his social media, noted that the Saudi authorities were uneasy with his presence in the kingdom, saying it may be linked to his outspoken views on global and Islamic politics. In his post, he thanked Nigerian officials for showing interest in resolving the issue, praising the country’s democratic values that protect free speech.
“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,” he wrote.
While the Saudi government has not given an official reason for the ban, many believe it may be tied to Gumi’s recent sermons criticizing Saudi Arabia’s shift from traditional Islamic governance to more modern political practices. He has openly stated that he disagrees with the kingdom’s growing closeness to Western nations, arguing that such moves risk damaging Saudi Arabia’s Islamic identity.
In an exclusive interview, Gumi doubled down on his views. “Saudi Arabia is a police state where you have no freedom of expression,” he said, pointing out that Nigeria’s environment of open discussion should be cherished. He also added, “That is the root of our misunderstanding.”
When asked if he was concerned about not being allowed to perform Hajj in the future, Gumi dismissed the idea. He explained that Islamic history is filled with leaders who never went on pilgrimage yet made great contributions to the religion.
“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,” he said.
He also noted that the kingdom’s actions were not beyond reproach and that speaking out against perceived injustice is part of his responsibility as a scholar. “We are only helping them correct their mistakes—just as they try to reform society.”
Gumi further said the growing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Western powers could bring harm to the Muslim world. He warned that ignoring the suffering of Palestinians and remaining silent while Saudi funds those seen as oppressors is unacceptable.
“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.”
