*Sends Him Back To Nigeria
THE Saudi Arabia authorities have stopped Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from performing this year’s Hajj and deported him back to Nigeria.
Gumi, who confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Monday, May 26, said the Saudi government had granted him a visa to enter the country for Hajj, but he was not allowed to enter Medina to begin his religious duties.
The post read: “Alhamdullilahi, I’ve already completed my Hajj 2025 and I’m at home in our beloved country, Nigeria. Allah said in Q2/196: ‘And accomplish the Hajj i.e pilgrimage and the Umra for Allah, but if you are prevented, (slaughter) the offering available with you (meaning, you are then free from Hajj or Umra).’
“Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj, even though they have granted me a visa.
“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter. 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.”
Gumi was part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious services and arrived in Medina with other clerics last Saturday around 10:30pm on an Umza Air flight.
But upon arrival at the city’s airport, Saudi immigration officials prevented him from entering the country.
