Pakistani digital creator Samia Hijab has responded to criticism she received after performing Umrah in Makkah during Ramzan.
Samia, who has around 831,000 followers on Instagram, rose to prominence in recent months and often attracts attention for her statements online.
Backlash over Umrah posts
Samia is currently in Makkah Mukarramah, where she has been spending Ramzan in worship. After she shared posts about performing Umrah, some social media users criticised her.
One comment read: “Rab ye to nhi bolta Ki apni body dikha kr paise kama or haj pr jane me or bulane m frk hota h.”
(Translation: “God does not say that you earn money by showing your body, and there is a difference between going for Hajj and being invited.”)
Another user wrote: “Toba krky phir gunah krna to phir wo kesi tobah hui jb Allah ki baat hi ni man’ni jo Quran mn hy. Apki baat bhi thk hy pr achai or burai mn frq krna zrori hy vrna Hazoor pak (S.A.W) or Mola Ali (R.A) wars na lrty.”
(Translation: “If you repent and then sin again, what kind of repentance is that if you do not follow what Allah says in the Quran? You may have a point, but it is important to distinguish between right and wrong, otherwise the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Mola Ali (RA) would not have fought wars.”)
A further comment said: “Tmhare story mjhy qandeel baloch jaisi lagti hy. Wo b aisa he content dalti thi pehlay phir after her death the reality check came. May Allah be ease our paths ameen.”
(Translation: “Your story reminds me of Qandeel Baloch. She also used to post similar content earlier, then, after her death, the reality check came. May Allah ease our paths, amen.”)
Some users also questioned her intentions, writing that you will again dance in shorts after you return from Umrah.
Support from followers
Alongside criticism, many followers posted messages of support.
One user wrote: “No matter how many haters you have. Your always loved there yes your Lord loves you . Society has different standards of nobility when it comes to a woman. YOU ARE LOVED”
Another commented: “You’re chosen and that’s enough.”
A supporter also wrote: “Dua kijiye Allah hme bhi baar hazri k Sharf mile”
(Translation: “Please pray that Allah grants us the honour of visiting again.”)
There were also brief messages of encouragement such as heart emojis and prayers for guidance, including: “Allah hidayat de apko or qabool farmaye”
(Translation: “May Allah guide you and accept [your prayers].”)
Samia’s response
Responding to the criticism, Samia addressed her followers in an Instagram video from Makkah.
She said: “After committing many sins, I am now performing Hajj’. Look, I am here in Makkah, sitting right in front of the Kaaba, talking a lot with Allah. I often talk to Allah, ask why certain things happened, and request Him to fix them.”
She added, “I have seen Allah solving my problems, showing blessings upon me, and forgiving me. Who created this Urdu saying, ‘900 choohay kha ke billi Hajj ko chali’, meaning, ‘After committing sins, now seeking forgiveness in Makkah’?”
“Don’t they know that here in Makkah, both sinners and pious people perform Umrah? How can anyone judge others? No one knows what is in someone else’s heart. If Allah is calling someone to Him, He knows what’s inside. Stop judging. I am here, but you are still at your house, even while being pious. But what can we expect from a world that could not even offer water to Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W.W.’s grandson?”, she said.
Wider reaction
The debate has continued in the comments section of her posts. While some users questioned her past content and sincerity, others said faith and repentance are personal matters.
The episode reflects a broader pattern on social media, where public figures often face scrutiny over their personal choices, particularly when those choices relate to religion.
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