Can you take pictures at Hajj?

Question

I am an apostate of Islam. I left Islam approximately 8 years ago. My wife (born and raised in Pakistan, but has been in Ontario, Canada for the past 15 years approximately) continues to be a Muslim & our children (both born & raised in Ontario, Canada) are exposed to both religions. We expose them to what we believe is the truth but don't shove it down their throats, nor do we play favorites.

In a bid to woo me back to Islam, my mother (born & raised in Pakistan but has been in Ontario, Canada for the past 30 years approximately) has offered to take me (born & raised in Ontario, Canada) to Hajj; all expenses paid. BTW...the only reason I'm telling you where we were born is so that you get a better understanding of our upbringing & culture, etc.

I've incurred some nominal fees (passport renewal, visa application, passport photos, vaccinations, etc.) but my mother says she'll not only reimburse me for those hidden fees but that she'll also pay for my time off from work (1 paycheck as we'll be gone for only 2 weeks). To be honest, I'm feeling really guilty about going at her expense. It's an expensive trip, I'm not a fan of travel anyways (quite frankly, I hate it) & I have a strong belief in Christianity. My mom, a breast cancer survivor, strongly believes that once we go for Hajj I'll come back to Islam.

Hating travel as much as I do, the way I look at it is that at least it's free and I can take some cool pictures. But something tells me I won't be able to take pictures; I've just got this gut feeling. So for those of you who have already made the trek to Hajj, were you able to take pictures???

BTW...I know I could've simply asked if you were able to take pictures at Hajj, but I also had to get some things off my chest and am hoping that some Muslim brothers or sisters could look at what I wrote and also offer me some insight as to the rest of my situation.

Cheers.

Answer 1

thats another reason we dont allow non muslims into Mecca cause we dont want tourists oogling and gawking at us while we are performing our religious rites..

Not that you are disrepectful.. but some people would be.. They only want to go to stare and poke fun and take pictures to bring back to their friends to joke about..

This is a serious matter for us muslims.. We are there to get closer to our God and cleanse our souls. For some, they've saved all their lives and spent their life savings just for one visit in their lifetime to hajj..

Women are expecially sensative to having photos taken of them.. Cuase of the fact that they are not to be viewed by outside men. .. There are plenty of post cards sold in bookstores with good views  of images on them you can purchase.. and CNN seems to every year send a muslim correspondant to hajj that films the whole adventure.. So just watch CNN during this time and you'll see the whole event

anyways..

may Allah bless you and help you find your purpose in life whatever it may be... ^_^  

Answer 2

i been to hajj you can take pictures but don't take pictures of anyone without their permission hm your not a Muslim if Ur not believing in Islam anymore maybe u shouldn't go i mean its place of worship its crowded in hajj if u made a decision to leave Islam then please don't visit such city go to Vatican or something anyways good luck

and candy about Saudi jail i think its much better then Americans jails atlest there u wont get raped

I'm sorry if i sound harsh but even if a Muslim went once to hajj some people say its better if he doesn't go again because its really crowded as i said

if you wanna go there just for Ur mother and there is no chance of u coming back to islam then dont go

but if u really wanna see how islam is then go and good luck

Answer 3

i am surprised how would u get a hajj visa if u r not a muslim until and unless ur passport still mentions that u are a muslim.

you should be able to take pics but dont take it in haram. you should respect muslim culture and policies, as i think christians take pride in abiding the rules. So if the rule is not to take pics, then plz obey the rules.

I guess u should go for hajj not because u would become muslim but just for the sake of your mother, as we all need the prayers/dua of our parents.

Answer 4

Yes, you can take pictures..But beileve me it is very hard when there is more than a million people there....and try to take off your flash....the sauida officers are not allowed to go in there only if they pray...So good luck and please try to rate my answer the best....!

Answer 5

ummm .. i dont really get it how r u goin 2 perform hajj when ur not even a muslim ? ...  anyways its not allowed 2 take pictres but not because its a law or somhin but religously u cant cuz when i preformed hajj last year someone told me its haram ...

Answer 6

Taking photos is generally unwelcome and in some areas prohibited.  You would be well advised to disguise your camera and to be very discreet.  Saudi jails are no fun.  Be careful.

Answer 7

you cant take picture with camera because of flash but you can try with your mobile. because i have taken too. secondly islam is a real religion because of religion has an entertainment in islam but we don't have. that means our religion is true. we respect woman's while other religions never do. and don't think about that religion of usama bin laden which is totally wrong. our religion teach us peace and defend but not to attack. and the final is i will pray for your mother who is ill. God is with you. take care. my prayers will always remain with you. insha allah