Saudi Arabia Bans Photos and Video at Holy Sites

The recent selfies of a Jewish man at Masjid-e-Nabwi sparked a hot debate on social media. The post received severe backlash from Muslims all over the world.

People in huge numbers reported the Instagram account from which photos were published, as a result the account was taken down.

Saudi’s Response

Saudi Arabian authorities responded to the criticism by banning photos and videos at holy sites in the country. Non-Muslims are already banned from entering Central Madina and Makkah. However, as the new rule implies, no one will be allowed to carry cameras or phones with cameras in Masjid-e-Nabwi and Khana Kaaba.

The statement released by Saudi Authorities says;

In the event of a violation of the ban, imposed to ensure the carrying out of worship in a healthier way, tools used to take photos and videos will be confiscated and legal action will be taken.

Everyone including press and media representatives will be banned from taking the photographs of holy sites and areas surrounding them. Saudi General Directorate of Press and Information says the decision was taken considering the disturbances and difficulties these activities cause to the worshipers.

The Post

Jewish man named Ben Tzion posed at the Mosque and uploaded the photos to Facebook. The caption of the post reads;

“People of #SaudiArabia would stand with #Jewish Nation side by side”

The other post says;

Every #Jew has always Remember that He/She is an integral piece of the entire #Jewish #Nation, even in the middle of 2nd most #Holy #Masjid of #Islam #Faith after Al-Haram in #Mecca, and Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem comes 3rd. #Prophet Muhammad originally build this #Mosque in #Medina near his House in 622AD and is burried here as well in 632AD. #Peace in the #MiddleEast with #Respect and #Love towards Each other

The man, Russian and Israeli national, has been known to pose at religious sites across the Middle East.

The ban includes everyone, irrespective of purpose, from taking photographs at the mentioned locations.


  • photo ban na kro…. apni security bhter kro kisy gia non muslim …..
    security tory non muslim or ban lago muslim per k photo na bano wao…stupid logic

    • Log ibadat karne jate hain apna deeni fareeza pura karne ya selfiyan le kar show off karne ap jaise logon ki stupid thinking ne har jagah ko sairgaah bana k rakh diya hai

  • They don’t allow non Muslims to build their sacred buildings for worship in Saudi Arabia but will build their mosques wherever they want in the countries of infidels.
    Just because they consider non Muslims unholy or unclean, to be exact, worse than animals.

      • He’s a typical internet troll who has been let lose by someone, considering he always has something against Islam.

      • I’m simply a humanist who equally loves humans regardless of their race, language, nationality and of course religion.
        I speak against every evil and harmful to humans ideology, creed and religion that devide humans and make them enemy of one another.
        Humans have already suffered enough at the hands of these superstitious and ridiculous ignorance formed by illiterate and warlords of ancient times.
        Humans no longer need these bullshits in this 21st century of science and reason.
        They are better off without them.
        For a prosperous and developed nation, let’s burry them for good.


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