Un rôle important des guides religieuses dans la sensibilisation des pèlerines aux rites du hadj
Women’s Religious Guidance during Hajj: A Growing Presence
As the season of Hajj approaches, there is an increasing acknowledgment of the role of female religious guides, highlighting the commitment of public authorities to support and facilitate the spiritual journey of female pilgrims. This initiative reflects a conscious effort to ensure that women can fulfill this critical pillar of Islam in an environment conducive to their needs.
The Role of Female Guides
Leila Hacini, the primary religious guide for the Algerian Hajj mission, emphasized the significant impact of these female guides during training sessions for women at one of the hotels in Mecca. She noted that the presence of women in guiding roles is not merely an organizational necessity; it represents an essential response to the specific needs of female pilgrims. The female guides create a safe and supportive environment where women can comfortably express their spiritual concerns.
Fatiha Katrane, another religious guide, highlighted that having female mentors enables many pilgrims to perform their religious rites with greater peace of mind. She noted that the questions addressed by these women often revolve around critical themes such as purification rules, the proper way to wear the ihram, and appropriate conduct in cases of illness or legal impediments. These are sensitive topics that women feel more comfortable discussing in an exclusively female setting, ensuring a level of intimacy and calm.
Training and Competence
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments is responsible for selecting female guides who possess not only scientific knowledge but also expertise in religious jurisprudence (Fiqh) and effective communication skills. This rigorous selection process is complemented by specialized training sessions before the Hajj season. These sessions cover essential aspects such as the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, emergency response tactics, and psychological and social support training.
Mabrouka, a 66-year-old pilgrim, expressed her appreciation for the presence of female guides in their accommodation in Mecca. She stated that these guides significantly aided her understanding of the rituals and provided invaluable advice on maintaining proper behavior in Mecca and during the transitions between holy sites.
An Evolving Mission
The inclusion of female religious guides signifies a crucial transformation within the Algerian Hajj mission. This evolution aims to adopt a holistic approach that respects religious traditions while addressing contemporary demands. The unique challenges faced by female pilgrims necessitate such adaptations to ensure that the rites of Hajj are performed effectively and meaningfully.
Experts suggest that the experience garnered from the involvement of female religious guides serves as a model worthy of expansion. There is a pressing need to increase the number of qualified female guides and provide them with the necessary resources to enhance their support for pilgrims. This is especially pertinent given the steady rise in the number of women participating in Hajj year after year.
In summary, the integration of female religious guides into the Hajj experience reflects a broader commitment to accommodating the specific needs of female pilgrims, fostering a more serene and supportive spiritual journey, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the Hajj mission. By continuing to invest in training and expanding the number of female guides, authorities can ensure that this pivotal pilgrimage remains accessible and fulfilling for women.
