Aslamo Alaikum,
I plan to perform Umrah soon and want to know about the photography ban in Masjid al Haram and Masjid e Nabawi (PBUH). Are visitors allowed to take pictures or record videos inside these holy mosques? Have there been recent changes to the photography ban policy? Any official guidelines or personal experiences would be helpful.
Thank you
Jazak Allah. Thank you for this information and this advice.
Wa Alaikum Salam,
Yes, Saudi Arabia has officially banned photography and filming inside Masjid al Haram in Makkah and Masjid e Nabawi (PBUH) in Madinah. This includes taking pictures, recording videos, live streaming, and even broadcasting prayers through any media platforms.
These measures have been implemented to preserve the sanctity of the holy mosques and ensure that the atmosphere remains focused on worship. The ban is particularly emphasized during the month of Ramadan.
Visitors are advised to respect these rules and avoid using cameras or mobile phones for photography inside the holy mosques. Security personnel may request individuals to delete any unauthorized photos or videos if they are found violating the guidelines.
If you are planning to perform Umrah, it’s best to focus on prayers and worship rather than taking pictures.