The British Muslim community is shocked and saddened about the statement issued by Imam-e-Kaabah, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Head of the Presidency for Two Holy Mosques regarding the serious violation of the sanctity of Haramain Shareefain by a vast majority of Hajj/Umrah Pilgrims. He pleaded to the Pilgrims from around the world not to indulge in activities that will violate the sanctity of the Haramain Shareefain. The growing culture of disregard to the sanctity of House of Allah and the Prophet’s mosque in recent years is highly deplorable.
It is extremely disturbing that a vast majority of Pilgrims in the Haram are busy with their cameras taking or posing for photographs, making videos, and chatting over the mobile phones even during Tawaf-e-Ka’bah. They are showing total disrespect to the House of Allah and the prescribed Holy Pilgrimage and not concentrating on their prayers.
The most alarming aspect of this growing culture is that musical ringtones from mobile phones are heard frequently within the vicinity of the House of Allah and the Prophet’s mosque. Even during salah, these musical ringtones distracts the prayers. This appalling behaviour has taken away the peace and serenity of the Haramain Shareefain and the essence of the Pilgrimage. This nuisance is causing great discomfort and disturbance to other pilgrims.
The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH), a National Hajj and Umrah specific organisation working for the welfare and wellbeing of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims appeals to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of Makkah Prince Khalid al Faisal and the Governor of Medina Prince Abdulaziz bin Majed to take appropriate action to protect the sanctity of Haramain Shareefain so that all Pilgrims are able to perform Pilgrimage in peace and tranquillity.
The General Secretary of ABH, Khalid Pervez urged that “Shaikh Sudais’s plea on this important and sensitive issue is a wake up call to Muslims around the world. All the relevant Governments and religious scholars around the world should take their responsibilities towards this issue seriously. They must make every effort to raise awareness amongst the Pilgrims in their respective countries to ensure that they do not treat Haramain Shareefain as a tourist attraction site and refrain from the activities that violate the sanctity of the House of Allah”.
