The Saudi Arabian government has banned pilgrims from taking
photos and videos using any devices for any purpose at Makkah's Grand
Mosque and Masjid-i-Nabvi (Peace be upon him) in Madinah.
The development surfaces days after Russian-born Israeli Jew Ben Tzion posted a selfie of a visit
to Masjid-i-Nabvi (PBUH), prompting backlash from certain individuals
on social media, leading Instagram to suspend his account.
The
change in policy was communicated by Saudi's Foreign Ministry through a
diplomatic note sent to foreign representatives in the country.
Saudi
authorities stated that the measure was imposed to protect and preserve
two of Islam's holiest sites, prevent the disturbance of worshippers
and ensure tranquillity while performing acts of worship.
In
recent years, many pilgrims to both holy sites have posted pictures on
Instagram and Facebook, ranging from posing in front of the Holy Kaaba,
to taking selfies on the upper floor of the Grand Mosque to standing
under the umbrella-like canopies at Masjid-i-Nabvi (PBUH).
"In
the case of any violation of the ban, security guards have been
instructed to confiscate the photos and the camera if needed," the Saudi
government statement said, adding that the change should be
disseminated to every Haj and Umrah tour operator in their respective
countries.
