“If I can’t fly to Makkah, then I will go by road”— Ismail Musa Shuaibu
In the bustling city of Kaduna, Nigeria, amidst the rhythmic hum of sewing machines, a humble tailor named Malam Ismaila Musa Shuaibu crafted garments with precision and care. His small workshop, tucked away in one of the city’s vibrant streets, was a space not just for stitching clothes but also for weaving dreams. As a devoted Muslim, Ismaila had long harboured the aspiration to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, a journey that many of his fellow Nigerians dreamt of but few could afford.
Despite the challenges that life had thrown his way, Ismaila’s faith remained unwavering. He had been saving for years, hoping that one day he would be able to board a plane to Makkah and fulfill his religious obligation. However, as the years passed and the financial realities of life began to weigh on him, Ismaila found himself staring at the sky with longing but little hope of boarding a plane.
Determined not to let his circumstances stand in the way of his faith, Ismaila came up with a solution. “If I can’t fly to Makkah, then I will go by road,” he vowed. This bold declaration wasn’t born out of desperation, but from a deep-seated belief that nothing could prevent him from making the sacred journey to the holy city.
Ismaila’s resolve to embark on a road trip to Makkah was both a testament to his determination and a reflection of the sacrifices many face in their pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. For months, he meticulously planned the long and arduous journey, taking into account the challenges he would face crossing through several countries in West Africa. The journey would span thousands of kilometers, but his heart remained resolute.
When he finally set out on the road, Ismaila’s journey became more than just a personal pilgrimage; it became an inspiration to many in Kaduna and beyond. The story of the tailor who refused to let distance or financial limitations prevent him from answering the call of faith quickly spread, sparking admiration and reverence from his community.
His path was not an easy one. With limited resources, he encountered many obstacles—border delays, language barriers, and harsh weather conditions. But through it all, Ismaila’s unwavering faith and determination kept him going. Along the way, he was welcomed by fellow Muslims who offered assistance, shared stories, and even prayed for his safe journey.
After several weeks on the road, Ismaila finally arrived in Makkah, exhausted but filled with immense gratitude and fulfillment. His journey, though physically demanding, reaffirmed his belief that the journey of faith is often paved with challenges, and it is in overcoming them that one truly experiences the rewards of perseverance.
In Makkah, as he stood before the Kaaba, Ismaila Musa Shuaibu’s heart was full—full of faith, full of pride, and full of a sense of accomplishment. He had proved to himself and to others that no distance, no financial obstacle, could deter a soul determined to fulfill its spiritual duty.
Today, Ismaila’s story continues to inspire others who may feel discouraged by their circumstances. His message is simple: Faith, when combined with determination and a willingness to make sacrifices, can lead to extraordinary outcomes—even when the path is long and challenging.
