HAJ season brings with it a flood of breathtaking images from the Holy Land, and for many Malaysian pilgrims, capturing a memory near the Kaaba is a deeply personal moment they wish to hold onto forever.
So when a claim went viral warning that Saudi authorities would slap pilgrims with a 10,000 Saudi riyal fine, along with detention and deportation, for taking photos at Masjidil Haram, it understandably sent the haj community into a panic.
Can pilgrims really be fined for taking photos of the Kaaba in Makkah?
Verdict:
FALSE
Claims that haj pilgrims will be fined up to 10,000 Saudi riyals for taking photos around the Kaaba are not true, according to the head of the Malaysian haj delegation.
Mohd Hisham Harun stressed that no such regulation had been imposed, and that pilgrims were still permitted to take photos around the Kaaba, provided they observed proper etiquette and refrained from doing so during acts of worship.
"Taking photos is not an offence, but it should be avoided during tawaf as it may disrupt concentration and the movement of other pilgrims," he told reporters at a press conference on Sunday (April 26).
Mohd Hisham said the spread of inaccurate information was believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding, which had caused unnecessary concern among pilgrims preparing for the haj season.
The viral claim had alleged that Saudi authorities would impose a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals, equivalent to approximately RM10,500, along with detention and deportation, on anyone caught taking photos or videos at Masjidil Haram, especially in front of the Kaaba.
Pilgrims are advised to refer only to official sources and Lembaga Tabung Haji personnel for accurate information, and to focus on their worship while at Masjidil Haram.
Source:
Bernama
