The National Ameera of the Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Hajiya Rafiat Kunle Sanni has advised Nigerian intending pilgrims to this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to give serious consideration to their health and hygiene as part of preparations for the Hajj.
The Ameera gave the advice on Saturday as one of the keynote speakers at the annual induction programme for pilgrims travelling through Alkauthar Travels and Tours Abuja.
Speaking on the challenges women face during Hajj Mrs Sanni expressed delight at the decision of Saudi authorities to relax the rule regarding the use of Maharam by female pilgrims, saying, the insistence in the past had been a used by some persons appointed as Maharam for their female colleagues.
She also advised the women to ensure that their monthly Menstruation cycle does not prevent them from undertaking the Hajj rites effectively.
“Menstruation can come at any time, and at any age. We are encouraging all our sisters who are of Menstruation age to carry along, sanitary towels as part of their provisions for Hajj because Allah has told us that if we are going for Hajj we should go with the best of provisions, even those Allah said your Taiwan, is the best of provisions”.
The FOMWAN leader said Menstruation can come at any time because of anxiety. “There some women that whenever good news is given to them, Menstruation will start rushing out of happiness”
She also said even stress can trigger Menstruation in some women adding that people go through a lot of stress during Hajj which can lead to unexpected Menstruation.
Mrs advised women who starts menstruating to go ahead with all their preparations including taking bathing and adorning their selected garments but retrieve to their accommodations and only go for Tawaf when they are clean again.
She advised all female pilgrims to inform medical personnel of any health-related matter even before departure so that they can be well advised and taken care of while in the Holy land.
The speaker also advised women against getting too mixed up with men while carrying out their Hajj rites. She stated that some women often insist on offering their prayer behind Maqama Ibrahim at the Grand Mosque, because that is encouraged. She advised that scholars have already said the prayers can be offered at any point within the grand Mosque behind the Maqama Ibrahim and that women needs not to force themselves by pushing and shoving with men.
She also advised the women to ensure that a tip of the hair is always cut according the Sunday after the performance of Umrah.
On the issue of dressing, the Ameera said the Ihram for a female could be any colour. She however, advised women to desist from wearing clothes that reveals their bodies.
