Renowned entrepreneur and social media influencer Hafiz Mahamad recently stirred controversy with a provocative video on his social media, which has now gone viral. The clip showcased a chaotic scene where muslim worshippers were eagerly maneuvering to kiss the Black Stone (Hajarul Aswad).
Capturing his Umrah pilgrimage, Hafiz and his team faced challenges while attempting to reach the Black Stone, or the Hajarul Aswad. Motivated by his wife's desires and ensuring his team had the chance to kiss the Black Stone, Hafiz navigated through a sea of worshippers.
The consequence of his determined effort was the loosening of Hafiz's ihram cloth, inadvertently revealing part of his body. This act drew public criticism, with many accusing him of prioritizing content creation over respect for the sacred surroundings, including the Kaaba. His act of recording the process of what should have been a humble act of devotion has faced disapproval from Malaysians.
Watch the video of the incident below, which has been subsequently deleted from the influencer's social media following backlash:
Alhamdulillah hafiz mahamad dapat cium batu hajar aswad walaupun strugle sampai terbuka kain ihram . pic.twitter.com/a6GMenvX5o
— ISU SEMASA VIRAL (@isusemasaviral) March 3, 2024
The backlash extended beyond social media users, prompting a statement from Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, former Mufti of the Federal Territories. The ex-Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Religious Affairs described the incident as inappropriate, highlighting the discomfort caused by such actions in a sacred context.
Dr. Zulkifli noted a growing trend of individuals sharing videos touching the Kaaba or the Black Stone on various social media platforms. He advised against pursuing trends solely for attention, emphasizing the need to abandon practices that compromise the sanctity of religious rituals.
Referencing Sheikhul Islam Zakariyya al-Ansari's words, Dr. Zulkifli suggested that a simple wave of the hand and respectful gestures should suffice for those expressing their devotion.
Moreover, Dr. Zulkifli shared insights from Shafi'i scholars, emphasizing that women are generally discouraged from kissing the Black Stone unless the surrounding area is relatively empty.
What do you think of this incident? Leave your comments below, and remember to be respectful!
Source: Harian Metro
