Haj pilgrims urged to limit social media use and focus on ibadah

MAKKAH – Haj pilgrims are reminded not to become overly focused on creating social media content while in the Holy Land, as it may distract from the true purpose of performing their religious duties with full devotion.

Tabung Haji Guidance Operations director Shahrin Awaluddin said pilgrims, including younger groups, needed to balance the use of technology so it would not affect their focus on haj rituals.

He said there had been an increase each year in the number of younger pilgrims, including those performing haj for the first time.

Tabung Haji Guidance Operations director Shahrin Awaluddin - Photo courtesy of Tabung Haji

This, he said was a positive development as younger individuals generally had better energy levels and health to carry out the pilgrimage more effectively.

However, he stressed that pilgrims must understand that haj carries the meaning of qasad, which refers to clear intention, purpose and focus in worshipping Allah.

“Every year we remind pilgrims of this because when they are in the Holy Land, they must fully concentrate on their haj and not perform it half-heartedly.

“If they are too busy with social media, they will lose out because time here is very valuable and this opportunity does not come often,” he said when met here.

He said among the rituals requiring full concentration were tawaf, saie and the stoning of the jamrah, as these demanded physical presence, mental focus and spiritual reflection.

He added that every act of worship performed in the Holy Land was an important moment for Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah and improve their spiritual connection.

“Social media is not unimportant, but it should not be excessive to the point of neglecting worship.

“Use technology in moderation and prioritise acts of worship while in Makkah and Madinah,” he said.

He added that pilgrims were encouraged to make full use of their time in the Holy Land by increasing prayers, remembrance and acts of worship so that the haj experience would leave a lasting impact after returning home.