More hajj, umrah pilgrims now focus on taking selfies, photographs, filming —British body •Says acts undermine spirit of pilgrimage

THE Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) (ABH) United Kingdom, a national hajj and umrah organisation working for the welfare and well-being of pilgrims, has expressed grave concern about the growing culture of disregard for the sanctity of the House of Allah in Makkah and the Haram in 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,” ABH said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK, therefore, strongly urges the relevant authorities in the 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.

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ABH also criticised religious scholars for not paying heed towards “this dangerous phenomenon” which, it said, was 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,” the association said in its statement.