Is it true that taking pictures around the Kaaba is prohibited?

Is it true that taking pictures around the Kaaba is prohibited?

Social media has been reporting that photography around the Kaaba has been banned. Some instabloggers have made several statements "calling on those going on Hajj and Umrah to be careful." They say that "those who violate this ban for the first time could be fined $520, and for the next time, they could be deported for 10 years." Although the reporters did not cite any official sources to confirm this information, they said that this had happened to some of their acquaintances.

According to Kun.uz, a representative of the Saudi Arabian embassy, commenting on the situation, stated that there are no such bans officially in the kingdom, particularly in the Haram area.

"In fact, there is no such official ban and the above-mentioned penalties for taking pictures. However, given the large number of people around the Kaaba during the Tawaf, a pilgrim stopping to take pictures of the surroundings could lead to a crowd. For this purpose, it is recommended that phones not be used in traffic jams. At other times, it is permissible to take pictures or videos. It is not correct to talk about deportation or fines for this," said Qasam al-Otaibi, an employee of the Saudi Arabian Embassy.

He also stressed that there is no official ban on taking young children to the Hajj pilgrimage.