The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria has denounced the actions of some Nigerian Muslims who performed the lesser hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
NASFAT asked Nigerian Muslim pilgrims to avoid improper and disrespectful behaviour while at the holy city, noting that such behaviours did not reflect Islam.
In viral videos spreading on X (previously Twitter), some Nigerian Muslims were seen abusing Yoruba folks while attempting to touch the Kaaba.
In the video, one Nigerian pilgrim is heard questioning a foreign individual, “Are you the one who killed the Prophet, or perhaps your forefathers were responsible?”
Another traveller, insulting a white worshipper, said, “If you want to pray, pray, but don’t disturb me here.” You have started crying again…”
Also, many Nigerian pilgrims were seen recording and posting their spiritual activities on social media, a practice clerics have criticised as inappropriate.
Commenting on the situation, NASFAT’s National Da’wah Officer, Abdul-Ganiy Raji, expressed dismay over the actions of the Nigerians, noting that pilgrimage should not be performed in such a manner.
Raji advocated for consequences and sanctions for misbehaving in the holy place, saying that contempt could render prayers ineffective.
“If one plays during solat, Allah won’t answer such a prayer. The irreligious acts by some Nigerians in Mecca are disturbing. People from across the world come for Hajj and conduct themselves properly,” he said.
Raji claimed that persons with questionable origins of income were frequently the ones participating in wrongdoing, emphasising that not all Nigerian pilgrims behaved in this manner.
He also berated the commercialisation of Hajj, noting, “Hajj should not be seen as a profit-making venture.”
He further blamed private hajj operators for failing to screen pilgrims properly before facilitating their trips.
“It is unfortunate that private organisations given slots by the National Hajj Commission do not screen those travelling for Hajj. As a result, anyone with money—regardless of character—can go, even someone who is mentally unwell. NAHCON needs to address this issue.
“In the past, people who failed to answer basic religious questions were withdrawn from Hajj, but that no longer happens,” he added.
Raji urged NAHCON to hold private operators accountable, arguing that any company whose clients misbehaved should have their licence revoked.
In the same vein, Dr Sidiq Uthman, an Islamic cleric and lecturer at Lagos State University’s Department of Religions, has linked the attitude of certain Nigerian pilgrims to excessive consumerism.
He contended that many of those engaged may be oblivious of the gravity of their acts and should not bear complete accountability.
“Attention should be directed at the hajj agencies and coordinators responsible for supervising the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. These individuals ought to have been warned of the implications of such sacrilegious acts,” Uthman said.
He also criticised social media for encouraging the inappropriate display of religious activities, pointing out that the problem was not limited to hajj pilgrims.
“This issue reflects the negative impact of social media in today’s world. Even here in Nigeria, places of worship have become selfie spots—ranging from Pentecostal churches to Muslim asalatu groups,” he noted.
Uthman further berated some Muslim scholars, accusing them of promoting such behaviour by recording their own prayers to please sponsors.
“Religious leaders are equally guilty of this. Many record their secret prayers to prove to sponsors that they are fulfilling their obligations. When those who should lead by example engage in such acts, there is little hope for change,” he concluded.
