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Excuse Me God I Have a Call
Amr Muhammad Al-Faisal
I went to Makkah recently with my family to perform Umrah. When we reached the Holy Kaaba and started doing the tawaf, or circling around the Kaaba, I observed that many mobile phones were ringing, resulting in irritation and disturbance for pilgrims.

Making matters worse, one person started talking on his cell phone, without showing any respect to the sanctity of the place and ignoring the fact that he was in a state of worship.

When we moved to the masaa or the brisk walking area between the hillocks of Safa and Marwa, things had gone further haywire as mobiles were ringing like mad and the “pilgrims” were busy phoning their friends and relatives as though they were in a market. The cell phone tones taken from latest music gave the feeling that we were listening to a video clip.

The same scenes are repeated at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, where we hear the sound of cell phones at the Rowdha Sharif and in front of the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Cell phones also ring at other mosques while imams give their Friday sermon and lead the five daily prayers. This is really embarrassing.

Don’t these people understand that what they are doing is disrespectful to God? They also distract their fellow pilgrims and worshippers engaged in prayers and meditation. Can’t they find a more suitable place to get up to pursue their worldly concerns?

Places of worship are sacred and they should be treated with the respect they deserve. We do that to show our respect for God the Almighty. Look how God advised Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) when he was given the opportunity to talk to Him for the first time at the Tuwa valley in Sinai. God told him: “Remove your sandals as you are in the holy valley of Tuwa.” This indicates that we have to respect the place to please God. Showing disrespect means earning His wrath.

In light of the irresponsible behavior of the public, I deem it necessary to enact rules and regulations to prevent the use of mobile phones at the two holy mosques and other mosques and punish the defaulters. This will give justification for telling mobile users to turn off their devices while they are inside the mosques — or to leave the mosques if they wish to make a call.

I have another suggestion: That Saudi Telecom Company distributes pamphlets mentioning the etiquette of using cell phones along with the mobile chips they sell. They should also inform the public how they can switch off cell phones or reduce the volume in places where they may disturb others.

LMAO!!!!!
Hog