PILGRIMS ENCOURAGED TO FOCUS ON WORSHIP, MINIMISE DISTRACTIONS IN RAUDAH

From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan

MADINAH, April 28 (Bernama) -- Pilgrims have been reminded to observe proper etiquette and maintain focus during their visit to the holy city of Madinah, particularly when entering the sacred Raudah area at Masjid Nabawi.

Madinah Ibadah (worship) manager, Mohamad Zahir Hussin @ Yusof, expressed concern over the growing tendency of some pilgrims to become distracted by social media while in Raudah, one of the most revered spots in Islam.

"With the advancement of technology and the widespread use of smartphones, one of the challenges we now face is that some pilgrims become more engrossed in recording videos or taking photos than in performing acts of worship," he said.

"When given the rare opportunity to enter Raudah, some act more like 'reporters' than worshippers. I urge all pilgrims to put aside their phones and cherish this golden opportunity to pray, at least performing two rak'ahs, such as tahiyyatul masjid or solat hajat, and to make heartfelt prayers," he told reporters.

Mohamad Zahir also advised female pilgrims not to feel disheartened if they are unable to enter Raudah due to health issues or other unavoidable reasons, reassuring them that their intentions are equally valued.

He further reminded pilgrims to pay close attention to the visiting schedules and instructions provided to ensure a smooth, meaningful visit to the sacred site.

Meanwhile, Salam Baitullah journalist Rozaihan Abdul Rahim shared her emotional experience after being granted the opportunity to step into Raudah and pray beside the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

"Entering Raudah yesterday as part of the media team was a deeply moving experience. I truly felt that Allah SWT granted me extra time there as a special blessing," she said, overwhelmed with gratitude.

Similar emotions were echoed by Muhammad Rastwin Stia, a Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) journalist and a Muslim convert, who described his first visit to Madinah as unforgettable.

"Alhamdulillah, this is an experience I will treasure forever. As a muallaf (convert to Islam), this opportunity has brought me closer to Allah SWT," he said.

-- BERNAMA