• The viral clip of a saddening incident which took place in Makkah has sparked divided opinions.
• This article seeks to explore both perspectives as important questions are raised regarding respect, authority, and how such situations should be handled.
You’ve probably come across the viral incident in Makkah that has ignited widespread debate. However, in case you haven’t, here it is:
Opinions are divided—some argue the security guard was wrong to raise his hand, while others believe he was justified. Many also question why the woman acted aggressively in the first instance.
Let’s break down both perspectives
Those who believe the guard overstepped the mark argue that men and women are not equal in physical strength. As the stronger party, he held more responsibility and should have exercised restraint.
On the other hand, those who advocate for absolute equality argue that if the woman slapped first, a response in kind was fair.
Here’s my take on the matter
When the guard struck back, the woman’s hijab fell, and she appeared weak, older, and limping as she walked away. Considering her age and the sanctity of the location, a certain level of respect should have been maintained.
Had this been in Riyadh or Jeddah, it would be a different matter, as their laws operate differently. However, in a place where millions of pilgrims gather—around 3 million in this case—authorities must recognise the diverse backgrounds and temperaments of visitors.
If a woman misbehaves, handle it legally—arrest her if necessary. I’m not suggesting the police should be weak, as seen in the UK, where hesitation to act is common. But neither should they be excessively harsh, resorting to force indiscriminately.
If this were my own aunt or an elder relative, witnessing such treatment would feel deeply wrong. At the same time, we must ask—why did this woman feel entitled to act this way? Did she see security personnel as mere servants? Perhaps her mindset is flawed, shaped by an environment where she believed she could slap someone without consequences.
This incident was unsettling. While the officer was enforcing rules, security personnel in such sacred spaces should receive specialised training to handle people from different cultures with dignity and patience.
Hitting an older woman, causing her hijab to fall—it simply doesn’t sit right. If the guard made a mistake, he should acknowledge it. This was caught on camera, so an investigation will follow. But if it hadn’t been recorded, would that have made it acceptable?
Likewise, the woman’s family should remind her that her actions were inappropriate.
In addition, another argument that is gaining currency is that if this woman were Caucasian with blue eyes or an Arab, would she have been responded to in the same manner? Sadly, probably not.
