- Videos of Nigerian pilgrims insulting other worshippers and recording their spiritual activities have been circulating on social media
- NASFAT and an Islamic scholar criticise Nigerian pilgrims for inappropriate behavior during Hajj, calling for discipline and reverence
- NASFAT urges NAHCON to enforce better vetting of pilgrims, blaming private operators for allowing unfit individuals to travel
The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has strongly criticised the behaviour of some Nigerian Muslims performing the lesser hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, condemning their actions as inappropriate and unrepresentative of Islam.
Viral videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter) show Nigerian pilgrims engaging in disrespectful conduct, including hurling insults at other nationals struggling to touch the Kaaba.
In one clip, a Nigerian was heard making a derogatory comment, saying, “Are you the one who killed the Prophet, or perhaps your forefathers were responsible?”
Another mocked a white worshipper, remarking, “If you want to pray, pray and don’t disturb me here. You’ve started crying again.”
Additionally, some pilgrims were seen recording and posting their spiritual activities on social media, a practice widely frowned upon by clerics, who deem it inappropriate for such a sacred experience.
NASFAT's response
Expressing disappointment over these incidents, NASFAT’s National Da’wah Officer, Abdul-Ganiy Raji, stressed that pilgrimage should be conducted with reverence and decorum.
He warned that irreverent actions could render prayers ineffective, emphasising that solat (prayer) must be performed sincerely and respectfully.
“The misconduct of some Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca is deeply concerning. People from around the world come for hajj and observe proper conduct, yet we see some of our own behaving otherwise. This is unacceptable,” Raji stated.
He further alleged that individuals with questionable sources of wealth were often at the forefront of such misconduct, though he acknowledged that not all Nigerian pilgrims exhibited such behaviour.
He also criticised the growing commercialisation of hajj, asserting that it should not be viewed as a profit-driven enterprise.
Blame on Hajj operators
Raji called for stricter screening of pilgrims by private hajj operators, accusing them of prioritising profit over ensuring that travellers are spiritually and mentally prepared for the pilgrimage.
“It is unfortunate that private hajj agencies, which receive quotas from the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), do not properly vet their clients.
“This has led to cases where individuals with no real understanding of the pilgrimage’s significance, or even those with mental instability, are allowed to travel,” he lamented.
He urged NAHCON to hold private operators accountable, recommending that companies whose clients misbehave should have their licences revoked.
Raji also recalled that, in the past, potential pilgrims were required to answer basic religious questions before embarking on hajj, a practice he believes should be reinstated.
Echoing NASFAT’s concerns, Dr. Sidiq Uthman, an Islamic cleric and lecturer at Lagos State University’s Department of Religions, linked the inappropriate behaviour of some Nigerian pilgrims to materialism and ignorance.
“Many of these individuals may not fully grasp the gravity of their actions. The hajj agencies and coordinators responsible for supervising them should have provided proper guidance beforehand,” Uthman remarked.
He also criticised the growing influence of social media on religious practices, arguing that the issue extends beyond hajj.
“Today, even places of worship in Nigeria, ranging from Pentecostal churches to Muslim asalatu groups, have become selfie spots,” he observed.
Furthermore, Uthman blamed some religious leaders for enabling such behaviour, accusing them of recording their own prayers to impress sponsors.
“When those who should be role models engage in these acts, it becomes difficult to curb the trend. Religious leaders must lead by example if we are to see any meaningful change,” he concluded.
Call for reform
Both NASFAT and Dr. Uthman emphasised the need for reforms in hajj operations, urging NAHCON to enforce stricter measures to ensure that only individuals who are spiritually prepared and well-behaved embark on the pilgrimage.
They also advised pilgrims to focus on the spiritual essence of hajj rather than seeking social media validation.
N90bn Hajj subsidy scandal: EFCC detains NAHCON chairman, secretary
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained Jalal Arabi, the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), along with the commission's Secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, for alleged mismanagement of N90 billion in 2024 Hajj subsidy.
The two leading officials, Arabi and Kontagora, were detained and under investigation according to an unnamed source from EFCC.