... Named head of female Ulama for Hajj 2023
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has appointed the National Amirah of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Alhaja Rafiah Idowu-Sanni as the leader of all female Ulama for the 2023 hajj.
Alhaja Idowu-Sanni, was announced the female head by the Commission’s Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan at the inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja to discuss relevant issues concerning the 2023 hajj operations.
Speaking with Muslim News, Alhaja Idowu-Sanni said she felt honoured to be assigned the responsibility, praying Allah to assist her, the Ulama team and the entire management of NAHCON towards a successful 2023 hajj.
The Amirah of FOMWAN, an umbrella body for Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, called on the intending pilgrims, especially women to adhere strictly to hajj guidelines and obey Saudi authorities in accordance with the injunction of the Qur’an.
“Allah SWT told us in the Qur’an to obey Him and his Messengers and those in positions of authority. Saudi authorities have stipulated guidelines for hajj and it’s expected for all pilgrims to obey them. As Nigerian pilgrims, we should not violate these laws and be good ambassadors of the country in Saudi during the Hajj exercise,” she said.
Speaking further, the Amirah emphasised the need for pilgrims to seek guidance from the Ulama team anytime they are in doubt, saying hajj is the last and the fifth pillar of Islam which must be done the right way for it to be accepted by Allah. She therefore tasked the female folks to prioritize Ibadah over frivolities during hajj.
“Last year, we observed that a number of rules and things have changed in Saudi Arabia. For example, we use to tell pilgrims that when they get to the Prophet (SAW) Mosque in Madinah, the carpet of Rawdah (the Noble Garden) is green, uniquely different from the carpet in the entire Masjid. But, now there is no difference between the carpet in Rawdah and the one in entire Masjidu Nabawi.
“Therefore, they should not act alone. Apart from the green carpet, some other things have changed. When they are in doubt, they should always ask questions and seek guidance from the scholars who will be readily available to guide them through the spiritual rites.
“In addition, there is time for everything. They should not wander about, trying to buy jewelries or abaya when they are supposed to focus on the main exercise that took them to Saudi in the first instance. Our female pilgrims do these a lot. They go as far as Jeddah, outside Makkah in search of items to buy. If they do, the government of Saudi Arabia may deny them the opportunity to perform hajj by locking them out when hajj commences. Some people were denied hajj last year when the government of Saudi Arabia closed the entry into Makkah few days to the commencement of hajj rites. Also, when hajj rites have been completed, they should be more prayerful instead of trying to fix a gold teeth as a sign of completing hajj.”
Be conscious of your health
Alhaja Idowu-Sanni also advised the intending pilgrims to take good care of their health, saying those with any illness/ailment should report to NAHCON medical team.
“What is even more important is the issue of health. Some men do take their health more important than women do. Pilgrims with any ailment like hypertension or diabetes, should report to the NAHCON medical team in Saudi Arabia. They should submit the list of drugs they’re using to the Nigerian doctors. NAHCON will make adequate provision for them. So, they don’t have any reason to travel with any drug.”
“I am sure they would have been sensitised that kolanut should not be in their luggage. One woman was almost denied hajj last year because she tried to smuggle these items into Saudi Arabia. But our major assignment as Ulama is to guide them towards hajj mabrur (successful Hajj.) They should be focused on worshipping our Lord.”
Hajia Sanni extolled the NAHCON Chairman for his commitment and dedication towards organising a hitch-free exercise, urging Nigerian pilgrims to continue to pray for him and his team, the country, especially the new administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“To all our intending pilgrims especially the female, let’s pray for our children, spouses and family, especially our country, Nigeria that peace may continue to reign. We should also pray for Alhaji Dhikrullah Hassan, the Chairman, National Hajj Commission and all his subordinates that as we are grateful to Allah for the last hajj, may we have more reasons to thank them this year. We also pray for the media practitioners, that Allah continues to elevate and guide them in their sojourn”, she added.
