By Ishaya Ibrahim
Some Nigerian Muslims on X are protesting the participation of Saudi Arabian woman, Rumy Alqahtani, in the 2024 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, the first time a citizen of the Islamic kingdom will join the contest.
Alqahtani’s participation in the contest signals a huge milestone in the reforms being promoted by the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed Bin Salman.
The 27-year old Riyadh born Alqahtani, took to Instagram to express excitement at the opportunity while also highlighting the significance of the country’s landmark debut at the beauty pageant.
With this announcement, Alqahtani becomes the second after Baharain’s Lujane Yacoub, who was at the previous year’s Miss Universe pageant, marking the first appearance of a contestant from the conservative Gulf region.
The upcoming Miss Universe competition will take place in Mexico on September 18 and will also witness Iran’s debut.
Photos of Alqahtani dressed in a topless gown and holding the Saudi Arabian flag with Arabic inscription, has caused a storm on X.
@Waspapping_ said: “The actions of Saudi Arabia are doing a lot of harm to Islam I honestly wish there was a way for the Muslim ummah to disassociate ourselves from them Unfortunately, these are the same set of clowns refer to as leaders who are being led astray by the disbelievers way of living.”
@Abu_jawaadd said: “I don’t have any problem with the way the woman dresses at all BUT holding the flag of Saudi Arabia with Kalimatu shahada on it is a big red flag. May Allah forgive us.”
@MFaarees_ said: “The crown prince of Saudi Arabia, MBS is trying to turn the holiest Kingdom on earth to the likes of the UK and other western countries. Does he even know that there will be an afterlife and he’ll be questioned about his actions? What he’s doing is a disgrace to the Muslim Ummah.”
@bilal_hamdal said: “Holding that khalima for shameless reasons break my heart.”
@_adinoyi said: “Prophet Muhammad said he left the Qur’an & the Sunnah for us as a guide. The prophet did not say he left the Arabs or Saudi Arabia for us as a guide. Saudi Arabia can never be a guide to Islam, they’re only lucky to be the custodian of Islam’s holiest site.”
