ISLAM NEWSROOM — JAKARTA

The Saudi Arabian government has banned pilgrims from taking photos and videos using any devices for any purpose at Islam’s two holiest mosques, according to reports.
New ban against anyone taking ’Selfies’ in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia disturbs some and pleases others, according to Indonesia’s The Jakarta Post.
The recent ban applies particularly to the two of the three sacred

mosques of Islam; Makkah’s sacred mosque known as Al-Haram, also known as The Great Mosque of Makkah and the ban extends to Madina’s “Masjid An-Nabawi”, (The Prophet’s Mosque).

The third scared place of worship, located in Palestine’s Jerusalem, is called “Masjid Aqaba”, as of now, there has been no decree issued by authorities there regarding taking photos in general or “selfies” in particular.

Official decree was imposed by Saudi’s very religiously strict Saudi Foreign Ministry on Nov 12, according to Turkey’s news paper the Daily Sabah.

One day later (Friday), Indonesia’s The Jakarta Post posted the decree had been communicated by Saudi’s Foreign Ministry in a note to representatives on Saudi land, including Indonesia’s embassy in Riyadh on November 15.

According to Saudi authorities, the purpose is to — “Protect and preserve holy sites, prevent disturbances of the worshippers and ensure tranquillity during acts of worship”.

Hujjaj (pilgrims in Arabic) and other visitors over the years have share many pictures, photos, “selfies” in emails, phone text messages, social media like Facebook and even YouTube videos of happenings in many locations.

Who hasn’t seen postings in front of the Kabbah, with it’s black covering and Quran verses around the top in gold thread? — We just saw one posted by a brother and his mother stopping for Zam Zam water along the Sai between Saffah and Marwah — And let’s not forget about “THE CLOCK” towering high over the hotel by one of the entrances to Kabbah, in Makkah.

How many have seen or taken photos, even “selfies” by umbrella looking canopies outside Masjid An-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)? How about “selfies” taken by the grave yard of the sahabi (companions of Muhammad, peace be upon him) on the other side of the fence?

Travel posters feature pictures of groups going for Hajj and Ummrah (Pilgrimage to Makkah), showing flags, banners and even T-shirts of their of their countries, mosques and groups for folks back home.

Many dawah organizations say — “These types of photos may help non-Muslims and new Muslims have a better idea of what it is all about and aid them in preparing for the biggest event of their lives, inshallah”

THE OTHER SIDE —
Those who favor the “Selfie Ban” claim the worship is the real focus of Hajj and Ummrah. The distraction of taking pictures, photos and videos to display all over the Internet takes away from the acts and spiritual effects intended

One critic of “selfies” asks — “Are they just going there to takee hotos and show off for their friends on Facebook?”

Saudi Government says — “In the case of any violation of the ban, security guards have been instructed to confiscate the photos and the camera if needed”
And — “the change should be disseminated to every hajj and umrah tour operator in their respective countries”

THE JAKARTA POST — Many Indonesians have reacted with disappointment to the news, saying that photos and videos taken at the mosques were meant to be mementos.

Good point — especially since the pilgrimage is something very special as a only once in a lifetime chance and these keepsakes can be shown and passed down in families for years to come.
One Indonesian Muslim planning on ummrah in a visit to Makkah says:
“Instead of enforcing the ban over the whole compound, the Saudi authorities should determine specific areas to ban picture taking” — Nur Hikmat, 27

INDONESIAN RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS MINISTRY — Directorate-General of the Hajj and Ummrah says, they are ready to cooperate with associations of hajj and ummrah travel operators and the Hajj Pilgrimage Counseling Group to pass along any information regarding the ban to hopeful pilgrims, according to a ministry spokesperson.

PLEASE NOTE: Malaysia’s Pilgrims Fund Board issued a statement saying they, “Have not yet been informed of this ban and will advice pilgrims . .” after they receive any official word from the Saudi government.