Q: Can we visit and see the old monuments, forts and palaces with the intention to see their beauty and gain historical knowledge, especially the Mughal (Muslim rulers) architecture?
A: The purpose for a believer coming into the world is to recognize Allah Ta'ala and fulfil His commands. A believer has not been created for sight-seeing and for marvelling at the architecture of buildings as these things do not draw one towards the aakhirat and make one conscious of his purpose in life. Therefore, though it is not impermissible for one to look at the architecture of such ancient buildings, but in reality this does not bring any worldly or deeni benefit to one.
As far as going for sight-seeing to places where the azaab of Allah Ta'ala had fallen on the nations of the past (e.g. the ruins of the people of Thamud or the dead sea, etc), then the Hadith has taught us that we should stay away from such places so that we do not become the target of Allah Ta'ala's anger, and we are not punished as the people of the past were punished when they disobeyed Allah Ta'ala. It is reported in the Hadith that when Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) passed by the land of Thamood whereupon azaab (divine punishment) had fallen, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) commanded the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) to hasten and pass through that area while covering their faces in the state of fear, lest they may become victims of the punishment that was inflicted on the Thamood. From this Hadith, we understand that when azaab (divine punishment) had fallen on a certain place, then one should not unnecessarily go to such a place for sight-seeing.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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