Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2013-12-19

A former Imam of the Haramain in Makkah in Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Adel Al-Kalbani was barred from traveling to Britain as he boarded his plane in Riyadh bound for London.

“I was stopped at the door of the plane and told that the authorities received a message from the British Embassy saying that I was not allowed to enter Britain,” Al-Kalbani told Arab News.

Al-Kalbani planned to visit the British Muslim community which arranged a series of events where he could speak and meet people in various UK cities, including London.

The former Imam was due to feature alongside the current Imam of Masjid Qiblatain, Shaykh Mahmoud Khalil al Qari and other respected Islamic scholars at over 16 events in 17 cities across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

The British Embassy did not explain why he was refused entry.

“I don’t really know why they denied me entry. I was in Britain about four years ago and other countries,” he said.

“I was told that other Muslim scholars have also been denied entry and had their visas canceled. My gut feeling is that they don’t want to see me interacting with the Muslim community there,” he told Arab News.

When asked if he would re-apply for a UK visa or seek clarification from the British Embassy, he said: “No. Alhamdullilah, He (Allah) has chosen the best for me.”

(Twitter: @Faizie143)