Attention all female hajj pilgrims! Badriyah Fayumi, one of the officials in charge of organizing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, has some important advice for you. She mentioned that it’s totally okay for female pilgrims to wear masks during the ihram, especially in extreme weather conditions or when there’s a risk of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) transmission. So, ladies, don’t hesitate to protect your health by wearing a mask if needed. And if you want to be extra cautious, you can always opt to fast for three days or donate to six poor people as a form of compensation.
Now, let’s talk about the issue of wearing the hijab. Badriyah clarified that it’s not considered a violation to remove your hijab in front of other women during the ihram. However, she advised female pilgrims to still maintain their modesty during ihram as a precautionary measure while performing their religious duties. And here’s a friendly reminder from Badriyah: make sure to conserve your energy well before the peak phase of the Hajj pilgrimage in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). There will be a lot of physical activities waiting for you during that time, so it’s crucial to be prepared.
As the days lead up to Armuzna, Badriyah suggests engaging in light but rewarding acts of worship such as remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Quran, charity, prayers, patience, and self-control. And here’s a piece of advice from her: don’t let differing opinions on Islamic jurisprudence become a source of debate among pilgrims. Instead, choose the opinion that brings peace to your heart. Focus on your intentions and sincerity rather than wasting time on unnecessary arguments. And finally, Badriyah encourages female pilgrims to make the wukuf (standing at Mount Arafat) a turning point in their spiritual journey. Embrace the sacrifices made during the pilgrimage as acts of devotion to Allah and may all your efforts lead you to become a successful hajj pilgrim.
