Carrying a Mobile Phone on Shabbat

Question

Is it permissible to move a mobile phone on Shabbat if it was accidentally left on the Shabbat table, and if so, how?

Answer

A mobile phone in our times is considered a utensil whose primary function is prohibited on Shabbat (“melachto le-isur”), and not as something a person guards because of its value (“chisaron kis”). The reason for that is that one may handle it, for example, to place it on papers so they won't fly away or use it as a bookmark for reading a book, etc. Therefore, it is forbidden to move it when the intention is to preserve it from damage. However, when one wants to use it for something one is allowed to do on Shabbos, for example, to put it on top of pages so they won't fly away in the wind, it is permissible. And the same goes for the case when one needs to clear the space where it is located: this is permitted.

Source

Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Chapter 308, Paragraph 4).

Comments

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our partners in supporting and spreading the Torah. Help us answer more questions faster and better.
Next
More questions in this category
Forbidden activities on Shabbos – the 39 melachos
Forbidden activities on Shabbos – the 39 melachos