Man Proposes to Girl in Front of the Ka'abah: Is This Heresy?

Proposing in Makkah

A picture has surfaced on social media showing a man on his knees in the vicinity of the Ka'abah facing a woman with a ring box in his hand. In a nut-shell, he was proposing to the woman.

Several theories are out there, it has been called a fake photo, it has also been called an experiment.

The loudest voice on this holds the opinion that, the act is derisive and the man and his lover should be punished for doing something that is totally alien to the spirit of Hajj; a pillar of Islam.

The other voice says the act should not be condemned since 'it could attract more reward for the marriage'.

I am so totally totally for the first voice. I have never heard of a narration that says there is special reward for proposing marriage or conducting nikah in the vicinity of the Ka'abah. That belief will hence be qualified to be termed an innovation if the word 'heresy' is considered too harsh. It's insidious nature cannot be underestimated. 

We perform hajj to complete our faith and to earn nearness to Allah, not for show off. Does the world really need to know when you propose to a woman? That defies all standards of bashfulness.

The crime of show-off (Riya) is so great that Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW) warned the righteous beings against it. 

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"So woe to the worshippers, who are neglectful of their prayers. Those who want to be seen (by men)." Suratul Ma'un (107:4-6)

Muhammad (SAW) said, "What I fear for you the most is the minor shirk, that is ar-riya. Allah will say on the Day of Judgement when He is rewarding the people for their actions: Go to those for whom you did riya for in the world then see if you find the reward with them." 

[Ahmad (5/428, 429)] [al-Baghawi in Sharh as-Sunnah (4135)]

In another Hadith, Muhammad (SAW) said, “If anyone wants to have his deeds widely publicized, Allah will publicize (his humiliation). And if anyone makes a hypocritical display (of his deeds) Allah will make a display of him.” 

(Sahih Muslim Book 42, Hadith 7115)

Intention also comes into the discussion. It shows that Allah was not the only thing on your mind when you left your house for the Holy Land, there was also a girl on your mind. Your intention for coming for Hajj was not solely to please Allah.

Come to think of it, at the moment that picture was being taken, they were not mahram hence, coming so close with known affection in their hearts is haram.

This needs to be said NOW so that it does not become a trend or fantasy for our sisters. There could be sisters who would want to make it a criteria for marriage, 'If you want me to marry you you will have to take me to Makkah and propose to me in front of the Ka'abah'.