Saudi Guards’ Abuse of Pilgrim Sparks Calls for International Oversight of Holy Sites
Viral footage sparks calls for international Islamic oversight of holy sites amid accusations of abuse and discrimination inside Haram
Saudi Arabia, PUREWILAYAH.COM — A widely circulated video showing a Saudi security officer physically and verbally assaulting an Egyptian pilgrim and his wife inside the Grand Mosque has triggered an unprecedented wave of anger across the Muslim world, reigniting calls for joint Islamic administration over the holy sites.
The disturbing incident, filmed inside Masjid al-Haram, captured the pilgrim shouting in distress as he and his wife were pushed and handled aggressively before he was ultimately detained by Saudi forces.
The video has been shared millions of times online and has fueled a storm of condemnation against the Kingdom’s handling of pilgrims.
Incident Began as Pilgrim Defended an Asian Woman
Details of the incident reveal that the confrontation did not occur randomly, but stemmed from a moral intervention by the Egyptian pilgrim.
Sources report that the incident began when the pilgrim witnessed a Saudi security officer treating an Asian woman harshly and inhumanely, dragging her aggressively inside the sacred sanctuary.
This prompted the pilgrim to step in and object to the behavior, stressing that such conduct violates the sanctity of the holy site and the dignity of the guests of Allah.
Instead of correcting the misconduct, the security officer escalated the situation and attempted to assault the pilgrim, who raised his voice and said, “Don’t raise your hand… I am speaking to you politely and respectfully,” a phrase that quickly turned into a viral hashtag.
Footage captured the pilgrim and his wife screaming as they were pushed and assaulted, ending with the Egyptian pilgrim’s arrest — a move activists described as an attempt to bury the truth.
Saudi Response Sparks Accusations of Concealment
Saudi authorities issued a brief statement claiming they had detained a man who “appeared in visual content violating mosque regulations,” without mentioning the officer’s actions nor acknowledging the pilgrim’s attempt to defend another worshipper.
The statement triggered backlash over what activists and commentators described as a deliberate attempt to conceal the truth and shield the aggressor.
Observers say the official narrative reflects a wider pattern in which pilgrims who raise concerns are criminalized instead of protected — especially those from economically disadvantaged nations.
Egyptian Consulate Opens Investigation
Egypt’s consulate in Jeddah has reportedly begun investigating the case to ensure the rights and safety of its citizens. Egyptian media and public figures have demanded clarity and accountability.
Meanwhile, religious scholars issued statements affirming that harming pilgrims inside the sacred precincts is strictly forbidden, adding further moral weight to calls for justice.
Growing Anger Over Treatment of Pilgrims
Activists argue the incident exposes systemic mistreatment and discrimination in the management of the holy sites, especially against pilgrims from poorer countries.
“This is not an isolated case,” many wrote online, warning that repeated violations highlight dangerous structural flaws in how the Kingdom oversees the Haram.
Social media users described the episode as an affront to the sanctity of the Grand Mosque and a humiliation of “the guests of God.”
Renewed Calls for Shared Islamic Oversight
The incident comes amid mounting criticism of Saudi control over holy sites, which many argue lacks transparency, accountability, and respect for worshippers’ dignity.
The video has reignited demands for joint Islamic oversight of Mecca and Medina, with activists insisting the sacred lands must be managed in a manner that protects all pilgrims, regardless of nationality or social status.
As one online commentator wrote, “The Haram is not private property — it belongs to the Ummah.” (PW)