Saudi authorities have issued a stern warning to all pilgrims, including Nigerians, prohibiting the creation of social media content during Hajj and Umrah.
This comes after some Nigerian participants in the ongoing 2025 Ramadan Umrah flooded social media with videos from the holy sites.
While some posts show modest devotion, others display behavior unbefitting of pilgrims.
One concerning video, sighted by IntelRegion, showed a man loudly demanding wealth as he struggled to touch the Kaaba: “I want money like Dangote! My Creator, bring it to me!”
In another video, a Nigerian pilgrim interrupted his prayers to rudely rebuke a weeping worshipper behind him, asking in a local language: “Did you kill the Prophet?”—a remark lost in translation but offensive in context.
Similarly, a group of Nigerian pilgrims filmed themselves circling the Kaaba while chanting requests for a “Lamborghini.”
The situation has drawn mixed reactions from the Nigerians. While many questioned the appropriateness of documenting private worship for online attention, many others raised alarms about the potential consequences – fearing that Nigeria might face restrictions from Saudi authorities if such behavior persists.
Mallam Rabiu Jalo on Facebook said; “Some went for Umrah with the intention of Ibadah, but some idiots went there to act foolishly in front of the Ka’bah.”
Aliyu Abdullahi Gunigi with username @abubillaal on X wrote; “People care so much about impressing others that they even do it while performing religious rites. Imagine something as sacred as pilgrimage—people go there, snap pictures, record videos, and post them for the world to see. Indeed, this desperate need for validation has become a pitiful spectacle.”
@Hayaatuddeen on X commented; “I don’t even see it as making fun of them selves but rather making a mockery of Allah…. Bada yiwa Allah isgilanci… Sbd abun haushi You even hear some ladies saying Allah yabani mijin wata…what sort of nonsense is that?”
Another user @Asrarali75 said; “Mobile phones should be banned on both Harmas because many people visit these places only to make TikTok videos rather than focusing on worship and spirituality.”
@Letter_to_Jack wrote; “A record number of Nigerians went to Umrah to fool this year with their tik-tok obsession.
Solomon Sunday Olagunju reacted; “I will soon petition Saudi Arabia embassy in Nigeria and translate all the Yoruba words used to English for them to know the kind of people they will be granting visa to their country.”
Toyin Oseni commented; “Honestly,this is highly out of place. There should be a still penalty for unruly behaviours in Kaaba. The agents should be well trained by NAHCON as regards “acceptable and unacceptable “behaviours in haram. KSA doesn’t need our money to boost their economy,they can as well apply terms&conditions.”
Uncle K Esq with username @Supheey lamenting the situation in a video asked people to rethink about their mode of behaviour during the presence of Allah.
Saudi reacts
Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabia autorities have warned pilgrims against content creation, saying they should respect each other’s privacy and the holiness of the rite.
The statement posted in different languages on Tuesday evening reads;
“Dear Pilgrim, as you experience these sacred moments, we kindly ask you to put your phone away during worship. Let your heart capture the moment instead.
“Also, please remember that filming or photographing women is not allowed under any circumstances. Let’s all do our part to respect each other’s. Thank you for understanding.”
What’s Umrah
Umrah or lesser hajj is a special Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims can perform any time of the year (unlike Hajj which has fixed dates). The best time for Umrah is Ramadan because the Prophet Muhammad said an Umrah during Ramadan carries the same spiritual value as performing Hajj.
The experience becomes even more meaningful during Ramadan as pilgrims fast during the day and join special night prayers like Taraweeh at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Being surrounded by millions of worshippers gathered at the Kaaba, all praying and seeking forgiveness together, creates a deeply moving spiritual atmosphere.
The holy month becomes even more special during Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power), when worship is said to bring greater blessings than a thousand months. For Muslims, combining Umrah with Ramadan’s spiritual practices makes for an unforgettable journey of faith, drawing them closer to God through prayer, reflection and devotion in Islam’s holiest city.
