Is it permissible to take photos and videos during হজ্জ and উমরাহ?

Photography during হজ্জ is a contemporary issue on which scholars have varied opinions. Many contemporary scholars, including members of the Permanent Committee and individual scholars, permit photography in general as long as it does not involve prohibited content. The question specific to হজ্জ relates more to the appropriateness and impact on worship rather than the basic permissibility of photography.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, while having general concerns about photography, acknowledged that documenting certain moments is part of modern life. However, he strongly discouraged excessive photography during the rites of হজ্জ, particularly during তাওয়াফ, standing at আরাফাত, and stoning. These are moments of intense worship and দোয়া, and the হাজী should be focused on Allah, not on capturing content for social media or personal albums. He considered it a form of heedlessness (ghaflah) to be preoccupied with photography during the most sacred moments of হজ্জ.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta advised that হাজীগণ should minimize photography during the rites and focus entirely on their worship. Taking photos of the কাবা শরীফ, the Haram, or the হজ্জ sites at neutral moments (not during active rites) is less objectionable than photographing during তাওয়াফ, on আরাফাত, or while stoning. Blocking other হাজীগণ, causing congestion, or using selfie sticks in crowded areas is harmful and prohibited due to the principle of no harm.