A video has gone viral after a woman slapped a security officer at the Masjid Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia, prompting an investigation by authorities.
A tense confrontation between the woman and a male security officer took place in the courtyards of the sacred mosque. Medina Region Police confirmed the confrontation sparked after the officer instructed the woman to take an alternative route after she attempted to use an unauthorised walkway.
When she refused, she slapped him in defiance. In response, the officer slapped her twice, which escalated the situation. Other security personnel quickly intervened to defuse the conflict, with one guard physically restraining the woman.
In a statement, the Saudi General Directorate of Public Security said that all necessary legal procedures are being followed. “The department is currently investigating the incident of a woman assaulting a security officer in the Prophet’s Mosque while he was performing his duties and is completing the necessary legal procedures,” a statement read.
الله يجازيهم خير ويحفظهم من
هالسلق اللي ما تعرف احترام ولا نظاميبذلون جهدهم في خدمة المعتمرين، ومع ذلك يبتلون بأشكال مثلها! عارفة أن المشي ممنوع، لكنها بعناد وقلة أدب تتحدى النظام، وبكل بجاحة تمد يدها على رجل أمن واقف 12 ساعة وهو صايم !!!
بكل صراحة،… pic.twitter.com/wGUcu13pT1
— أحمد شوقي🇧🇭 (@Bo_shawQii) March 28, 2025
Saudi Officials have now confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been completed, revealing that the female pilgrim obstructed the security official in the line of duty and assaulted him.
Though they have not disclosed the woman’s nationality or provided additional details about the altercation, Saudi officials said that such incidents will not be tolerated and anyone who attacks security personnel performing their duties at Masjid-e-Nabawi will face legal action.
They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of security personnel and upholding the law at sacred sites like the Prophet’s Mosque.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some condemning the woman’s actions while others questioned the severity of the security officer’s response.
One user said: “I have visited Haramain many times, security officials are very kind and helping nature and their duties are very hard. We should obey their instructions to avoid stampede. They should be given full respect.”
Another added: “I think they were both wrong, she shouldn’t have slapped him, and he shouldn’t have slapped back, why wasn’t she obeying the instructions in the first place.”
“The woman was at fault for not listening and then slapping first. But security personnel also need to learn how to communicate clearly – he comes across as rude and aggressive. This is not how you speak to the visitors,” a third said.
