The Saudi Arabian Government has deported popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi back to Nigeria, barring him from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Gumi shared the news through a post on his Facebook page on Monday, May 26, 2025. The Kaduna-based Islamic cleric noted that, despite being issued a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage, he was denied entry into Medina upon arrival and subsequently deported.

In his statement, Gumi expressed gratitude for having already completed the Hajj. He wrote, “Alhamdulillahi I’ve already completed my Hajj 2025 and I’m at home in our beloved country Nigeria. And accomplish the Hajj i.e pilgrimage and the Umrah for Allah, but if you are prevented, (slaughter) the offering available with you. (meaning, you are then free from Hajj or Umrah).”

He suggested that his political views had made the Saudi authorities uncomfortable with his presence during the Hajj. “For some obvious reasons, my views about world politics have led the Saudi authorities to be uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj Visa,” he stated.

Gumi expressed his appreciation to Nigerian officials who pledged to address the matter with the Saudi authorities, underscoring what he sees as the value of the country’s freedom and democracy.

“I’m now free to attend to my health and farming activities,” he added, encouraging prayers for the safe return of all pilgrims and for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.

This incident highlights the intricate relationship between politics and religious practices, drawing attention to the challenges faced by scholars and public figures navigating these complexities.