NIGERIA: Saudi Arabia Bans Political and Sectarian Displays at Hajj Sites

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a strict prohibition on political and sectarian expressions during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

In an official statement, the ministry declared that pilgrims are forbidden from taking photographs or recording videos inside key sacred sites, including Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, as well as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

The ministry emphasised that “such actions could undermine the spiritual atmosphere of Hajj and risk sowing division among pilgrims who come from across the globe.”

The pilgrimage, the statement reaffirmed, is a sacred time dedicated to worship, humility, and unity.

It added: “Any conduct that contradicts these values will not be tolerated. Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to adhere to the regulations and cooperate fully with authorities to ensure that Hajj 2025 is conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and spiritually enriching environment.”

The statement further stated that security personnel will be deployed throughout the pilgrimage period to monitor and enforce compliance with the new rules.