Netizens seem to take their concerns for plenty matters too far when they condemned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, for leaving his shaven head uncovered while performing the ongoing hajj in Saudi Arabia.
In a video the monarch posted on social media, his head was uncovered, and that attracted mixed reactions, because, according to netizens, it is customary for a Yoruba king to always cover his head, especially when in public.
One of his followers, fabricsbyarinola wrote, “I thought (a) king must not open (sic) their head in public?”
Acube321 wrote, “Kabiesi oooo, sir you are not supposed to open your head. You can’t be the custodian of Yoruba culture and still worship in the Arab way. This is intriguing. You are demeaning our culture, sir. This is too bad sir.”
Meanwhile, some others saw nothing wrong with the Iwo king’s action. Nadee_a_kitchen_treat wrote, “See my hometown king. Everybody is equal in the presence of Almighty Allah. Islam is beautiful. May Almighty Allah accept your worship.”
Fasasiwakeel also wrote, “I am moved emotionally by the way he was praising the King of Kings. May the Almighty Allah answer your prayers.”
The Oluwo was also criticised for a particular prayer he said. In another video he posted on social media, he prayed that just as millions of Muslims all over the world visit Makkah in pilgrimage, people should have no rest until they visit Iwo.
Some of the people who criticised him asked what structures were in place in Iwo that would attract visitors from around the world.
Meanwhile, according to Islamic cleric Dr. Zakir Naik, while explaining why Muslim men shave heads during pilgrimage, he said, “It is mainly for humility. Not that Allah wants our hair Allah. We’re shaving our head to show that we humble ourselves before our creator. So that’s a sign of humility.”
Again, Online platform Holy Hajj & Umrah notes that, “Men can not cover their heads during Ihram. A woman must not cover face or wear niqab and gloves.
“Men should not wear underwear or socks, and their heads must remain uncovered. Sandals or slippers are the usual footwear. This uniformity signifies that all men – rich or poor – are equal before God.”
Holy Hajj & Umrah adds, “After performing all the rites of Hajj or Umrah, men should shave their head (taqseer). Women should cut off just a lock of hair, as shaving their head is haram (forbidden) for them.”
