Growing Culture of ‘Hajj Selfies’ Condemned by British Muslims

The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH), a National Hajj & Umrah specific organisation working for the welfare and well-being of pilgrims expresses its grave concern about the growing culture of disregard for the sanctity of the House of Allah and the Haram-e-Madinah by a large number of naive pilgrims.

It is immensely disturbing that these pilgrims, while performing their Hajj/Umrah rituals, focus on taking selfies, photographs and filming rather than concentrating on their prayers. This undermines the spirit of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. This nuisance has taken away the peace and serenity of the holy places and the essence of the pilgrimage and causes discomfort and disturbance to other pilgrims.

Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK therefore strongly urges the relevant authorities in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to adopt a zero tolerance policy, confiscate any filming devices/cameras and make efforts to protect the sanctity of the holy places.

ABH is also highly critical of religious scholars not paying heed towards this dangerous phenomenon which is destroying the spirit of Hajj/Umrah pilgrimage. These scholars should take their responsibility seriously and, in order to ensure that all pilgrims perform their prayers in peace and tranquillity, educate prospective pilgrims about the ethics and religious obligations and warn them not to violate the sanctity of the Holy Places.