Pakistani actor Gohar Rasheed, well-known for his powerful performances in dramas like Mann Mayal and The Legend of Maula Jatt, recently made a statement that resonated deeply with many Muslims. He urged visitors to the holy Kaaba to refrain from taking selfies and recording videos while performing Tawaf, the sacred act of walking around the Kaaba seven times.
Gohar’s message was simple and heartfelt: people travel thousands of miles to reach one of the most sacred places on earth, yet many are so busy filming content for social media that they miss the spiritual purpose entirely. His words echoed the concern of many Islamic scholars.
Islamic scholars have warned that taking photos during Hajj and Umrah defies the spirit of sincerity in worship. One prominent scholar quoted the Prophet’s supplication at Miqaat, where he asked Allah for a pilgrimage “without boasting or showing off,” and lamented that now people are taking pictures at every step from Tawaf to Arafat.
Gohar himself has visited Makkah and understands the spiritual weight of the experience. His statement was widely appreciated on social media, with many agreeing that the holy atmosphere of Masjid al-Haram deserves full focus, not a camera lens. Islamic etiquette for Tawaf specifically states: do not take selfies or get distracted, and keep your focus on Allah.
