MAKKAH: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque urged worshippers and pilgrims not to get carried away with taking photos or selfies inside Makkah’s Grand Mosque. Those who are interested in photography are requested to get an official permit.
Mashhour Al-Mun’emi, the assistant under deputy for Grand Mosque services, told Arab News that the presidency urged worshippers to concentrate on performing their rituals rather than taking photographs.
Atiah Al-Youssefi, professor of Islamic Law, said that the aim of banning photography at the Grand Mosque was to stop wasting time looking for the perfect angle for a better photograph or video, which could bother other worshippers and disturb the performance of their rituals.
This was especially true, he added, while the preparation of Zamzam well was underway. Al-Youssefi noted that pausing at the starting point of tawaf (circling the Kaaba) could confuse and hinder the movement of other worshippers.
Akram Jan, a crowd management specialist, said that crowd movement was greatly affected by photography due to pausing and trying to get pictures from all directions. Jan added that the dynamic of movement was important to ensure that moving happened simultaneously. The stumbling of any worshipper might cause a stampede, which was dangerous for the safety of everyone.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a circular to all Hajj and Umrah offices to raise the awareness of pilgrims about the importance of complying with the instructions banning photography at the Two Holy Mosques.
Makkah Grand Mosque management to pilgrims: Don’t get carried away taking selfies
Makkah Grand Mosque management to pilgrims: Don’t get carried away taking selfies
Iftar organization served over 500,000 meals in 30 years
- Riyadh project provided 4,200 meals this year
- Also has Islamic programs, says board official
RIYADH: An iftar project in Riyadh has served meals to more than 500,000 people over 30 years, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The Association for Dawah, Guidance and Community Awareness in Riyadh Al-Khabra focuses on delivering meals to expatriates and locals.
More than 200 volunteers have contributed to organizing sites for breaking the fast, preparing meals and supervising distribution.
This year, the program has delivered meals to over 4,200 people.
Omar Al-Araj, vice chairman of the association’s board of directors, told the SPA that the program extends beyond providing iftar meals.
Before iftar, brief sessions are offered in multiple languages, highlighting the virtues of Ramadan, the significance of fasting, and the importance of dedicating the holy month to worship and good deeds.
The program raises awareness of Islamic values in a manner that takes into account cultural diversity, the SPA reported.
Al-Araj thanked God for the success of the project, and the many donors who have contributed to the organization.
He said the association is driven by its advocacy, guidance and philanthropic mission.
