Western Tourist In Masjid an Nabawi Sparks Outrage

Key Takeaways

Incident sparks debate about tourism vs religious sanctity
Western woman filmed without head covering near holy mosque
T-shirt and pants attire criticized as immodest

MEDINA — A viral video showing a Western tourist without head covering and wearing a T-shirt near Masjid an-Nabawi has sparked widespread outrage among Muslim pilgrims and social media users.

The footage reveals the woman walking casually in close proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque, dressed in attire that violates traditional Islamic dress codes.

The pilgrim recording the video expresses shock and dismay, noting that the woman’s bare head and casual Western clothing demonstrate clear disrespect for the sanctity of the holy site.

“This is unacceptable near the Prophet’s resting place,” the pilgrim states in the video, echoing sentiments shared by thousands who have since viewed the footage.

A Muslim pilgrim filmed a non-Muslim western woman walking freely close to the Prophet’s Holy Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

He expresses shock at seeing non-Muslims tourists being allowed to wander freely in a city which traditionally would require all visitors to observe… pic.twitter.com/ngAML2RB78
— 5Pillars (@5Pillarsuk) November 15, 2025

While the government has actively promoted international tourism, many conservative Muslims argue that areas immediately surrounding Masjid an-Nabawi should maintain strict dress code requirements aligned with Islamic teachings.

The woman’s choice to remain bare-headed so close to the Prophet’s Mosque has been described as particularly offensive to the millions of Muslim women who meticulously observe hijab requirements while visiting the sacred site.

Social media platforms have flooded with criticism, with many users calling for stricter enforcement of dress codes in Medina’s central areas. “If we’re required to dress modestly in these holy places, the same standards should apply to everyone,” commented one Twitter user, reflecting a common sentiment among critics.

Saudi authorities have not yet commented on whether the tourist violated specific dress regulations.