Pregnant Women Still Prohibited from Hajj, NAHCON Affirms

Arabi emphasized that this law has been in place for a considerable period and will continue to be enforced this year. He stated, "We will not allow any woman, regardless of the stage of her pregnancy, to travel.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reiterated that pregnant women will not be permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia for this year's hajj pilgrimage.

Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, the Commission's Chairman, made this announcement during a Hausa program broadcast by a private radio station in Kaduna on Wednesday.

According to him, the Saudi authorities have also issued a warning that Nigeria could face fines if the ban on pregnant women is violated.

Arabi emphasized that this law has been in place for a considerable period and will continue to be enforced this year. He stated, "We will not allow any woman, regardless of the stage of her pregnancy, to travel. Although some pilgrims have disregarded this rule in the past, we are committed to ensuring that pregnant women do not undertake the journey this time."

Furthermore, the chairman appealed to pregnant women who had planned to perform the pilgrimage to reconsider for their own safety and that of their unborn children.

He also cautioned Nigerians against sponsoring elderly individuals who might face challenges during the hajj.

Preparations are well underway, and the commission is set to begin airlifting pilgrims on June 15, 2024, starting with Kebbi pilgrims. Due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, airlines will avoid Sudanese airspace.

This year, over 65,000 intending pilgrims are expected to participate in the hajj.

Arabi expressed hope that the majority of pilgrims would arrive in Madina rather than Jidda.

He concluded by urging all intending pilgrims to adhere to the rules of the holy land, emphasizing the significance of this journey for every Muslim.

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