DHAKA: "selfie fever" is gripping this year's Hajj, with pilgrims snapping pictures of themselves walking around the Kaaba and kissing the black stone.

According to a report by the Arab News, Islamic clerics are becoming concerned about the number of pilgrims taking pictures of themselves during what is supposed to be a time of humility and tranquillity.

The article, Say No to Hajj Selfie, claims a number of scholars and other pilgrims have become annoyed at the "selfie fever", condemning it as "touristy behaviour".

Their comments come as over two million pilgrims make their way to Mecca for the annual pilgrimage.

Jeddah-based scholar Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem told the news website: "Photography without a legitimate reason is an issue of dispute among scholars. However, despite this difference of opinion, there shouldn't be any dispute when it comes to the real meaning of Hajj and the essence behind it.

"The Prophet (peace be upon him) when he went for Haj, he said: 'O Allah, I ask of you a pilgrimage that contains no boasting or showing off'. Taking such selfies and videos defy the wish of our Prophet."

Scholar Sheikh Abdul Razzaq Al-Badr added that when the Prophet reached the Miqaat he asked that he make the pilgrimage without "showing off". "But now at the Miqaat many of the people are taking pictures as mementos. They take pictures on Tawaf, and Arafat, and while throwing at the Jamarat.




"It is as though the only purpose of this trip is to take pictures and not worship. And when they return home they say: 'Come look at me, this is me on Arafat, this is me in Muzdalifah'!"

The report said that camera phones used to be banned from mosques, but that authorities have seemingly relaxed the rules.

Hajj officially began on October 1 and is expected to last until October 7, depending on the sighting of a new moon.

BDST: 1633 HRS, OCT 03, 2014