The Kaaba is a sacred structure that serves as the focal point for Muslims worldwide. Every year, millions of Muslims visit the Holy Land to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. One of the rituals performed by pilgrims is the Tawaf, which involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.
Taking Photos in Front of the Kaaba: Expression of Gratitude or Distraction?
Many pilgrims want to capture precious moments when they are in front of the Kaaba. They take photos with the Kaaba as the backdrop, either alone or with their families and friends. Some even record videos during the Tawaf or while praying.
However, does this behavior align with the purpose and meaning of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage? Is it a form of gratitude or does it actually disrupt concentration and solemnity during worship?
Prominent Scholar from Al-Azhar University: Hajj and Umrah Are Journeys to Train Behavioral Change
According to Hani Tammam, a prominent scholar of Islamic Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are journeys to train individuals in behavioral change. "We embark on this journey to worship Allah, not for tourism, vacation, or sightseeing. Hence, we must rid ourselves of any peculiar behaviors," he explains.
He urges pilgrims performing their pilgrimage in the Holy Land to change their behavior. "We are facing Allah, so it is only natural that we refrain from taking photos in front of the Kaaba or in the Raudhah area. All of these actions diminish the rewards," he states.
Tammam further emphasizes that the Hajj and Umrah are both physical and spiritual acts of worship. The spiritual aspect refers to the pilgrims constantly feeling the presence of Allah in their hearts.
A Better Form of Gratitude: Focusing on Worship with Utmost Devotion
Tammam suggests that pilgrims express their gratitude in a better way by focusing on their worship with utmost devotion. "We must make the best use of our time to draw closer to Allah, by reciting the Quran, engaging in remembrance (zikir), supplicating, and giving in charity," he advises.
He also reminds pilgrims not to forget the rights of fellow human beings, particularly their fellow pilgrims. "We should help one another, respect each other, forgive one another, and show love towards one another," he states.
He hopes that pilgrims returning to their home countries will bring about positive changes within themselves. "May we become more pious, patient, sincere, grateful, and beneficial to our religion, nation, and country," he prays.
Conclusion
According to Professor Hani Tammam, a prominent scholar from Al Azhar University in Egypt, Hajj and Umrah are journeys that aim to train individuals to change their behavior.
He emphasizes that these pilgrimages are not meant for tourism or leisure but for worshiping Allah. Therefore, he discourages pilgrims from taking photos in front of the Ka'bah or during other sacred moments, as it diminishes the rewards of their acts of worship.
Tammam suggests that pilgrims should express their gratitude in more meaningful ways by focusing on their worship and engaging in acts of devotion. He encourages them to utilize their time wisely by engaging in activities such as reading the Quran, engaging in remembrance of Allah, supplicating, and giving in charity.
Additionally, he reminds pilgrims not to forget their responsibilities towards others, especially fellow pilgrims, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, respect, forgiveness, and love among them.
0 Comments