Phones must not be used in mosques
Pilgrims need to perform religious duties in sacred places, not take souvenir pictures
The use of mobile phones in places of worship by some pilgrims shows that they do not have the appropriate attitude towards their religious duties and a lack of respect for those around them.
The growing practice of Umrah pilgrims using mobile phones in the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah has been criticised as a distraction by religious leaders. The leaders are correct to do so.
Mosques are for prayer, not for communicating with friends and family. They are sacred places where people go to observe their religion, not tourist attractions where souvenir pictures must be taken to be shown around the world.
There are many ways in which technology has been used to bring people closer to Islam, from better establishing prayer timings to helping travellers across the world find Makkah. But the rings and flashes of mobile phones should not distract from time meant to be spent in contemplation.
