By Nurliyana Farah Ruslan
MAKKAH, May 16 (Bernama) — Questions regarding the prohibition of ihram and the fiqh law of women are among the most frequently asked questions by Malaysian pilgrims to Tabung Haji’s facilitators or guides in the Holy Land (PIHTAS) during the 1446H/2025M haj season.
TH Haj Guidance Operations director Shahrin Awaludin said they started asking the questions via the e-Taib digital platform even before arriving in the Holy Land and continued to do so, with even more questions, after they arrived.
"Like in previous years, the most popular questions are about the prohibitions of ihram, such as the use of perfumes, as well as matters related to women's fiqh, especially the law of entering ihram while menstruating," he said when met by the media, here.
He said such concerns arose because many pilgrims, especially women, are performing the haj pilgrimage for the first time and in situations that they may have never experienced before.
"Many are worried that their worship will not be valid. But it is important to know that women who are menstruating still need to make the ‘niat’ (intention) for ihram at the miqat as usual, because only the tawaf needs to be postponed until they are pure (period ends), other pillars of haj can still be carried out," he said
In this regard, Shahrin said that to facilitate easier access to religious guidance, TH has provided a digital platform called e-Taib through the THhujjaj application, enabling pilgrims to interact directly with prayer guides online.
“TH has also appointed more than 40 haj guides, with 30 in Makkah and 10 in Madinah, in addition to three expert consultants from the Haj Advisory Committee who have also been brought to the Holy Land to assist in addressing any legal or religious issues that may arise,” he said.
He said the prayer guidance programme in the Holy Land would continue until the first of Zulhijjah, after which operations will be extended to 24 hours a day to ensure every pilgrim receives adequate support and guidance during the peak days of haj.
Meanwhile, he also reminded pilgrims to increase their congregational prayers at the Grand Mosque, take advantage of the dawn time by performing the circumambulation and observing i’tikaf at the mosque.
“Islam is a religion of ease. While worship in the Holy Land may seem challenging at times, when performed with the right knowledge and understanding, it becomes manageable and even fulfilling. Take this blessed opportunity to deepen your piety and offer sincere prayers to Allah SWT," he said.
— BERNAMA
