A renowned Islamic scholar, Malama Adama Lawal Tafida, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies to appoint more female preachers and officials to serve Nigeria’s female pilgrims better.
As the only female Islamic preacher appointed by Kaduna state for this year’s hajj, Malama Tafida made the appeal Tuesday in a chat with journalists in Makkah, where she highlighted several critical issues facing female pilgrims.
The scholar stated the pressing need for gender-sensitive guidance, noting that many female pilgrims, especially from rural communities, require female scholars for proper religious instruction due to cultural sensitivities.
She added that a lot of pilgrims lack adequate understanding of hajj rites and modern facilities in Saudi Arabia, creating an urgent need for more knowledgeable female guides.
Malama Tafida also addressed the cultural barriers women face, explaining that many female pilgrims hesitate to seek assistance from male officials and this often leaves them struggling with pilgrimage procedures and proper use of facilities.
She said qualified religious scholars are essential to ensure pilgrims perform hajj correctly according to Islamic teachings.