Is nothing too sacred to be invaded by ringtones? Islamic Voice published this letter from a Moslem pilgrim:

(Thanks, Rich!)

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?