Yemeni arrested after performing Umrah 'for Queen Elizabeth II'

Saudi authorities arrested a Yemeni man on Tuesday after allegedly performing the Umrah pilgrimage on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last week.

The Yemeni national said in a video he was in Mecca for the pilgrimage in memory of the late British monarch, who was also the head of the Anglican church.

Such an action allegedly violates the provisions of Islamic law, which prevents Umrah and Hajj from being performed on behalf of a non-Muslim.

القبض على مقيم يمني صور نفسه وهو يعتمر عن الملكة إليزابيث pic.twitter.com/CbmRztKyRl

— ترند (@Trendnews) September 12, 2022

The 20-second video sparked controversy on social media, with many blasting the man for offering condolences to a non-Muslim at the holiest site in Islam.

"Umrah for the soul of Queen Elizabeth II, we ask God to accept her in heaven and among the righteous," read a banner held by the Yemeni national.

He added: "We ask God to place her with His righteous servants. We ask God to place her soul in Heaven."

Saudi General Security announced on Twitter that the man was arrested for violating the regulations of Umrah - a pilgrimage taken at any time of the year in contrast to the annual Hajj pilgrimage - and referred to relevant judicial authorities.

القوة الخاصة لأمن المسجد الحرام تقبض على شخص ظهر في مقطع فيديو يحمل لافتة داخل المسجد الحرام pic.twitter.com/PrwCywSsFw

— الأمن العام (@security_gov) September 12, 2022

It is not known if the man was detained on religious or political grounds, with Saudi Arabia clamping down on political slogans during pilgrimages. No further information was given on the man.

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died on 8 September. She was 96.