By Pelumi Adesokan
Muslim women leaders in Kebbi State are set to strengthen Hajj and Umrah education through a women-led initiative aimed at improving practical preparedness, safety and empowerment of pilgrims, particularly first-time, elderly and rural women.
The initiative, organised by the Association of Muslim Women on Hajj Orientation and Islamic Da’wah, Kebbi State (AMWHOIDI), will be anchored on the theme, *“Ilimi Kafin Tafiya”* “Knowledge Before Journey.”
The organisers said the initiative is designed to make Hajj and Umrah education simpler, practical and accessible to Muslim women who may have limited travel experience or access to formal pilgrim orientation.
According to AMWHOIDI, the conference will bring together Muslim women leaders and Hajj educators from across Kebbi State to strengthen knowledge-sharing, pilgrim preparation and community-based outreach.
The programme will focus on Qur’an and Sunnah-based Hajj and Umrah orientation, as well as practical preparations covering the journey from home to the airport and onward to Saudi Arabia.
Participants are also expected to receive guidance on airport procedures, air travel, accommodation, transportation and navigation during pilgrimage.
The organisers said technology would also form part of the orientation, with discussions and demonstrations on the use of mobile phones, videos, artificial intelligence and social media to improve access to Hajj education.
The initiative will particularly address women-specific issues associated with Hajj and Umrah, while promoting safety, fraud awareness and measures to protect pilgrims.
AMWHOIDI said special attention would be given to rural women, with the aim of taking Hajj orientation and practical information to grassroots communities that may otherwise have limited access to formal programmes.
The conference will also feature the presentation of the *Hajj 2027 National Pilgrim Preparedness and Orientation Initiative, as well as *“Jagoran Mata a Harami – Hajj & Umrah Handbook,”** designed as a guide for women pilgrims.
Practical demonstrations and educational drama in simple Hausa will also be used as part of the programme.
The organisers described their approach as *“See → Hear → Do → Repeat → Master,”* translated in Hausa as *“Ka gani → Ka ji → Ka aikata → Ka maimaita → Ka kware.”*
They said the approach was intended to move Hajj education beyond theoretical orientation by allowing participants to see, practise and repeatedly engage with key aspects of pilgrimage preparation.
AMWHOIDI also called for collaboration with Hajj stakeholders, media organisations, Islamic scholars, institutions and development partners to expand practical Hajj education and improve access to information for women.
The association specifically expressed interest in working with the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) on Hajj education, public awareness, media visibility and knowledge-sharing.
The initiative is guided by the motto *“Ilimi Kafin Tafiya”, while its stated principle is: *“Fasaha kayan aiki ce; ilimi da amana su ne jagora”** — technology is a tool, while knowledge and trust are the guides.
