What is the ruling on traveling to see the Umayyad Mosque for the sake of tourism and viewing historical sites?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the ruling on traveling to see the Umayyad Mosque, not for the purpose of worship, but for the sake of tourism and viewing historical sites?

Answer:
This is a waste. You travel just for tourism, spend money, and expose yourself to dangers. Traveling is a form of frivolity, so do not go for the sake of tourism. If you go to Damascus for a business need, or for study, or for some other need, there is no harm in you going and seeing the Umayyad Mosque. But if you travel specifically to see the Umayyad Mosque, that is foolishness and a waste of money, and it exposes you to dangers. It is also a means to extremism, because if the common people see you and see that you are doing this, they will think that the Umayyad Mosque is like the three mosques that people travel to. Yes.