“Don’t make me come over there”

I’m not going into the minutiae of photography right now (that’s a story for another time), but there’s something that really irks me about seeing someone face their back to the Ka’bah, with their hands raised in the motion of Dua, beaming at a camera. In case its missed your notice, that’s the ‘classic’ pose. Very popular, I’ll have you know.

#1- I’m already so jealous that you’re in Makkat Mukarramah/Madinah Munawwarah and I’m not. #2- You were chosen by Allah as His guests. Yes, yes, as much as I complain about my parents leaving us (they overdo it, honestly), I get it; my Labbaik wasn’t there (I’m still not going to let them off easy). #3- You need to appreciate that privilege.

Jeddah-based scholar Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem said: “Photography without a legitimate reason is an issue of dispute among scholars. However, despite this difference of opinion, there shouldn’t be any dispute when it comes to the real meaning of Haj and the essence behind it. It is based on sincerity and following the Sunnah. Nabi (S.A.W), when he went for Haj, said: “O Allah, I ask of you a pilgrimage that contains no boasting or showing of.” Taking such selfies and videos defy the wish of our Prophet (S.A.W)”

Sheikh Abdul Razzaq Al-Badr says: “It is as though the only purpose of this trip is to take pictures and not worship. And when they return home they say: ‘Come look at me, this is me on Arafat, this is me in Muzdalifah!’ And we have seen some of the people when they are ready to take the picture they raise their hands in the appearance of humility, fear, and tranquility. And then after the picture is snapped they drop their hands.”

The nooks and corners of these cities still reverberate with the teachings and ideas of the Rasool (S.A.W), even fourteen centuries after He (S.A.W) made them His (S.A.W)’s home. There’s something exceptional about the Harams. An attraction that is indescribable. It’s our haven. Being among only Believers. There is absolutely no other place on Earth where we can feel any more at home.

Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah witnessed the very precious early moments of Islam; the birth of Muhammad (S.A.W), His (S.A.W)’s early days of preaching the message of Islam, the emergence of the Muslim community, the emigration, and the development of the first Islamic state. They have also witnessed the revelation of the Quran and the last connection between the Heavens and the Earth. Don’t ruin its sanctity.

Nabi (S.A.W) is reported to have said: “The best and the most beloved city on the face of this earth to Allah is Makkah.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Nabi (S.A.W) stated: “The earth was rolled out from Makkah. Allah stretched (the earth) from underneath it. Thus it is called the mother of all cities.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

“Around the Ka’bah lie the graves of three hundred prophets.” (Sahih Muslim)

“Each pious deed performed therein is multiplied a hundred thousand fold.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

Nabi (S.A.W) mentioned, “My Shafa’at (intercession) is Waajib for the one who visits my grave.”

“Verily, he who made Haj and refrained from visiting me (i.e. my Qabr) has rendered me an injustice.”

Gurrl, why you gotta be taking pictures in the Haram? In the words of an old principal (this always got us xD): “It’s not on.”

Remember, you take one step towards Allah, Allah takes ten steps towards you.

May Allah protect us all and grant us the ability to overcome our Nafs.

Love and Duas,

TWS ❤