Saudi Arabian authorities have barred renowned and controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from entering the country to perform this year’s Hajj.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Sheikh Gumi revealed that although the Saudi government issued him a visa for Hajj, he was denied entry into Medina to begin 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 pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy.
“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,” he said in the Facebook post.
The BBC reported that Sheikh Gumi was part of the delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for the pilgrimage.
Gumi reportedly arrived in Medina last Saturday at around 10:30 p.m. aboard an Umza Air flight alongside other clerics.
However, upon arrival at the city’s airport, Saudi immigration officials barred him from entering the country.
