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BREAKING: Saudi Arabia Bans Photography, Chanting, and Flags at Holy Sites – Hajj Reporters
Ministry of Interior enforces strict regulations to uphold sanctity and prevent political or sectarian expressions at sacred locations.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a strict ban on photography, chanting, and the raising of any political or sectarian flags at the Holy Sites during Hajj 2025.
According to the ministry, pilgrims are not permitted to take photographs or videos—either on mobile phones or using professional equipment—within the confines of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, and the main Hajj sites including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Any attempt to document the pilgrimage in this manner will be treated as a violation of Hajj guidelines.
Additionally, the Ministry has strictly prohibited the display of flags or banners that reflect political, sectarian, or national affiliations. Chanting political slogans or group-based expressions of any kind is also banned.
Officials emphasized that such acts could disrupt the spiritual atmosphere and risk creating divisions among pilgrims who gather from all over the world.
Security personnel will be deployed throughout the pilgrimage period to monitor and enforce these regulations. Individuals found in violation could face penalties ranging from expulsion from the Holy Sites to legal action or deportation, depending on the nature of the offense.
The Ministry reiterated that the pilgrimage is a time for devotion, humility, and unity. Any behaviour that deviates from this purpose will not be tolerated.
Pilgrims are urged to respect the rules and cooperate fully with authorities to ensure that Hajj 2025 proceeds in a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling manner.
Comment: Alhamdulillah, we express gratitude for the above ban on photography. We make dua that Allah Ta’alaa accepts this effort. We do realise that the true objective is not entirely due to the fact that it is forbidden, it also suits their political concerns of Hujjaaj using possible Palestinians flags and videos which could stain their image but in shaa Allah despite all this, it still grants the opportunity for a pure Hajj free from riyaa (ostentation and recording every moment for the public instead of recording good deeds for Allah Ta’alaa) for the Hujjaaj and in shaa Allah this leads to the acceptance of their Hajj.
Every Haaji should refrain and repent from this disease of selfies, photography in general of living objects as well as all acts of sins!
