The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria has condemned the behaviour of some Nigerian Muslims performing the lesser hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
NASFAT urged Nigerian pilgrims to refrain from inappropriate and disrespectful conduct while in the holy city, stating that such actions did not represent Islam.
In viral videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter), some Nigerian Muslims were seen insulting other nationals in Yoruba while struggling to touch the Kaaba.
One Nigerian pilgrim in the video was heard telling a foreign national, “Are you the one who killed the Prophet, or perhaps your forefathers were responsible?”
Another pilgrim, mocking a white worshipper, said, “If you want to pray, pray and don’t disturb me here. You’ve started crying again…”
Additionally, many Nigerian pilgrims were seen recording and posting their spiritual activities on social media, a practice clerics have criticised as inappropriate.
Commenting on the matter, NASFAT’s National Da’wah Officer, Abdul-Ganiy Raji, expressed disappointment over the behaviour of the Nigerians, stating that pilgrimage should not be conducted in such a manner.
Raji called for consequences and penalties for misbehaving in the holy land, warning that acts of irreverence 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 alleged that individuals with questionable sources of wealth were often the ones engaging in misconduct, stressing that not all Nigerian pilgrims behaved in such a manner.
He also criticised the commercialisation of hajj, noting, “Hajj should not be seen as a profit-making venture.”
(Punch)
