From Prayers to Posts: How Smartphones Are Changing Religious Rituals?

Smartphones have undeniably revolutionized the way we live, changing everything from communication to how we perform religious rituals. In a recent move to preserve the sanctity of religious rituals, Saudi religious authorities have issued guidelines encouraging Muslim women visiting the two holiest mosques in Islam—the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina—to focus on worship and limit the use of mobile phones.

The Presidency of the Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques emphasized that female visitors should avoid distractions caused by their smartphones. Instead of taking photos or using social media during their visit, they should dedicate their time to prayers, circumambulating the Holy Kaaba, reciting the Quran, and attending religious sessions. These acts of worship, both obligatory and voluntary, are seen as a way to make the most of the spiritual experience.

The guidelines also called for maintaining Islamic values such as modesty, chastity, and wearing the hijab, highlighting the importance of these practices in showing reverence for sacred spaces. Additionally, worshippers were urged to avoid physical proximity to men in shared spaces like corridors, the circumambulation area, and the S’ai area.

From Prayers to Posts: How Smartphones Are Changing Religious Rituals?

This advisory comes amid a noticeable rise in smartphone use during religious pilgrimages. Many pilgrims document their journey by taking selfies or recording videos at these sacred sites. While technology has made it easier to share personal spiritual moments with friends and family, it has also raised concerns about whether such practices detract from the deeper essence of worship.

The mid-semester break in Saudi Arabia has contributed to a surge in the number of Umrah pilgrims. Many locals and expatriates seize this opportunity to visit the Grand Mosque and perform the Umrah, also known as the minor pilgrimage. Unlike Hajj, you can perform Umrah at any time of the year, with its key rituals including Tawaf—encircling the Holy Kaaba seven times—and Sa’i—walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. After completing Umrah, many pilgrims travel to Medina to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque, another spiritually significant act.

Smartphones, while being powerful tools for navigation, translation, and staying connected, have also become sources of distraction. Social media platforms, instant messaging, and photography can divert attention from the primary purpose of such visits—spiritual connection and devotion. This concern is not unique to the holy mosques; similar debates have arisen globally regarding the use of technology in places of worship.

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The challenge lies in balancing the advantages of modern technology with the need to preserve the sanctity of religious rituals. Smartphones can enhance the experience by providing easy access to religious texts, prayer schedules, and direction finders for Qibla. However, excessive use for non-spiritual purposes risks shifting the focus away from worship.

Our Thoughts

By issuing these guidelines, Saudi authorities aim to remind worshippers, particularly women, of the essence of their visit. The message is clear: while technology has its place, spiritual activities should remain at the heart of religious pilgrimages. As smartphones continue to shape our lives, their influence on age-old traditions invites reflection on how to use them mindfully in sacred contexts.