Masjid al-Haram
As the Grand Mosque in Mecca, also known as Masjid al-Haram, continues to attract an increasing number of Muslims from around the world for Umrah, Saudi Arabian authorities are reiterating rules concerning photography to ensure the sanctity and smooth flow of activities at Islam’s holiest site.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has provided specific guidelines to help worshippers capture their spiritual experiences without disrupting the sacred environment or the movement of fellow pilgrims.
While many pilgrims cherish the opportunity to document their visit to this revered site—home to the Holy Kaaba, the focal point of Islamic worship—the ministry has emphasized that photos and videos should be taken quickly and with consideration for others.
Worshippers are advised to avoid obstructing pathways or causing any hindrance to the flow of the crowd. The ministry also stresses the importance of not photographing individuals who are engaged in prayer or other pilgrims without their explicit consent.
This measure is in place to maintain the privacy and dignity of all visitors and ensure that their worship experience is not compromised.
The guidelines come amid the current Umrah season, which began in late June, following the annual Hajj pilgrimage that brought around 1.8 million Muslims from across the globe to Mecca.
Umrah, unlike Hajj, is available year-round, and the number of pilgrims performing it is expected to increase significantly. Last year, approximately 13.5 million Muslims performed Umrah, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious target to welcome 15 million pilgrims next year.
To accommodate the rising number of pilgrims and enhance their experience, Saudi Arabia has introduced several new conveniences and changes to Umrah regulations.
One of the notable changes includes the extension of the Umrah visa duration from 30 days to 90 days. This extension allows pilgrims more flexibility in planning their pilgrimage and enables them to enter and exit Saudi Arabia through various land, air, and sea routes.
Pilgrims are now allowed to depart from any airport in the kingdom, providing greater convenience for international travelers.
Additionally, women pilgrims are no longer required to be accompanied by a male guardian, a significant step towards easing travel restrictions for female worshippers.
Moreover, Muslims holding different types of entry visas—including personal, visit, and tourism visas—can now also perform Umrah.
This includes visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and Al Rawda Al Sharifa, the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), after securing an e-appointment.
These changes reflect Saudi Arabia’s efforts to facilitate greater accessibility for Muslims worldwide who wish to perform Umrah and engage in spiritual activities in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Overall, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s guidelines on photography and the new regulations are aimed at enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
By ensuring that pilgrims are respectful and considerate while taking photographs, and by implementing changes that make it easier for Muslims to perform Umrah, Saudi Arabia continues to uphold the sanctity of its holy sites while welcoming millions of worshippers each year.
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