THE CALAMITY IN MAKKAH A

TIME TO PONDER
BY MAZAAHIRUL ULOOM, SAHARANPUR, INDIA
The incident that occurred in the Haram of Makkah Mukarramah on Friday 11 September
2015 is most disturbing and heart-rending. May Allah Ta'aala forgive those who have lost
their lives and grant complete recovery to those injured in this sad event, Aameen.
However, the issue that needs to be pondered here is: Why did this calamity strike those
people who were worshipping and engaging in Tawaaf of Baitullaah? Is it not that we are
failing in the observance of the sanctity, etiquettes and respect of this most sacred
sanctuary, due which this calamity has struck?
Nowadays in the noble sanctuary of Makkah Mukarramah, Madeenah Munawwarah and
other sacred places there is a flood of photography and videography going on. Looking at
the condition of the people at these sacred places, it seems as if they are not in the Haram
of Makkah Mukarramah and Masjidun Nabawi (Sallallaahu 'Alayhi Wassalaam) but in
some park or place of entertainment.
Newspapers, whatsapp and the media in general are cluttered with photos from these
sacred places. This conveys the impression that people visit these sacred places only for
these accursed acts (Na'oodhubillaah).
Committing such accursed acts in the Haramayn Shareefayn is without doubt (vile) acts
of disrespect shown to these sacred places. Allah Ta'aalaa says in the Glorious Qur-aan,
And who is more unjust than those who forbid that Allahs Name be glorified and
mentioned much (i.e. perform Salaat and Dua, etc.) in Allah's Musjid, and they strive
for their ruin? It is not fitting that such people should enter (into Allah's Musjid)
except fearfully. For them there is disgrace in this world, and they will have a great
punishment in the Hereafter. (Surah Baqarah)
From the abovementioned Aayat of the Quraan-e-Kareem we understand that Musjidul
Haraam in Makkah Mukarramah, Musjidun Nabawi (Sallallaahu 'Alayhi Wassalaam) and
other Musaajid must be entered with dignity, respect, awe and fear. To enter the Musaajid
haughtily and slovenly in a disrespecting manner is utter oppression. Photography and
videography (being major sins) in these sacred places are acts of the vilest form of
disrespect and flagrant transgression.
Grave warnings of punishment have been sounded in the Hadeeth for defiling the
sanctity, honour and respect of the sacred Haramayn Shareefayn. In a Hadeeth which has
been narrated in Mishkaat Shareef, Hadhrat 'Ayyaash ibn abi Rabee'ah Makhzoomee
(radhiyallaahu 'anhu) states that Rasulullaah (Sallallaahu 'Alayhi Wassalaam) said:
This Ummah will remain with goodness as long as it continues to maintain this
sanctity (i.e. the sanctity of Makkah Mukarramah and its Haram) as it has to be

observed, and when people will forsake this sanctity and discard it, then they will be
destroyed.
(Mazaahirul Haqq)
Based on the above Hadeeth we request with due respect that all the people residing there
in the Haram, and those visiting these sacred places should safeguard themselves from
the Wrath of Allah Ta'aalaa. They should desist from creating means for their destruction
which come in the wake of defiling the sanctity and respect of these holiest of Places.
Abstain from all futile, accursed sinful acts thus maintaining the honour and dignity of
these Sanctuaries.
FURTHER COMMENT BY A MUFTI
Let us understand this very important point that in these sacred places just as the reward
of virtuous act is multiplied manifold, the same is the case with sinful acts. The
consequences (the punishments) are more severe.
Muslims should bear in mind that through this long corridor of Islam's fourteen
centuries, the Fuqaha of Islam - the great and noble Representative of Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu 'Alayhi Wassalaam) have issued a unanimous verdict on this question of
picture-making, viz. Pictures are Haraam.
As far as digital photography is concerned, there are no valid grounds to prove its
permissibility, neither from the Quraan and Hadith nor from the four Imaams of Fiqh.
Instead, the general Ahaadith, Mazhabs of Sahaabah, Taabieen and the four Imaams are
general regarding the prohibition of all picture making, that is, all pictures of animate
objects are haraam.
Bear in mind that a sin remains a sin in all conditions even if the whole world is soiled
in it. When a sin becomes universal, then its misfortune and evil also become universal
although every person is liable for his own deeds. The appearance of some 'Ulama on
television does not halaalize it. The Imaam of the Haram shown on television to perform
Taraaweeh does not halaalize it. It is not proof for its permissibility.
Finally let us conclude the topic with the grave warning of Rasulullaah (Sallallaahu
'Alayhi Wassalaam) narrated in Bukhaari Shareef and Muslim Shareef for the
photographers & videographers of animate objects:
Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment
on the day of Qiyaamat. May Allah Ta'aalaa guide us all and keep us steadfast on the
Haqq, Aameen