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| Malam Ismail Shuaibu Musa |
By Fatima Sanda Usara
At first glance, Malam Ismail Shuaibu Musa appears like any ordinary elderly Nigerian. Once a tailor, now a thread seller, his modest livelihood belies a story of extraordinary faith, resilience, and sacrifice.
For twelve years, Ismail clung to a dream — to perform the Hajj pilgrimage and stand on Mount Arafat in solemn devotion to his Creator. With unwavering commitment, he saved bit by bit from his small income, holding tightly to his hope.
But in 2022, his dream met a harsh reality. The liberalization of foreign exchange caused a steep rise in Hajj fares, pushing the journey beyond the reach of his savings. Refusing to be defeated, Ismail chose an unconventional path — to travel by land, just like pilgrims of old, relying on strength, faith, and divine mercy.
In February 2023, he set out from Nigeria, braving insecurity, hunger, and hardship. He made it to Sudan, where he spent a month doing menial jobs to raise money for a visa and flight into Saudi Arabia. Against all odds, his dream seemed within reach.
Then tragedy struck.
In April, conflict erupted in Sudan. Borders shut down, violence spread, and dreams crumbled. Ismail was stranded — just short of Makkah. On Eid day, instead of praying at the Holy Mosque, he stood alone on unfamiliar soil, overwhelmed with tears. Twelve years of preparation had come to a heartbreaking halt.
He was eventually rescued and repatriated to Nigeria alongside other stranded nationals. His story, however, did not end there.
Moved by his resilience, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, intervened, Malam Ismail was awarded a Hajj slot under NAHCON’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative — finally fulfilling the pilgrimage he had fought so long and so hard to perform.
Ismail's story is more than a personal triumph. It is a lesson in faith, humility, and perseverance. At a time when many with means vie aggressively for Hajj opportunities, often through questionable channels, Ismail stood apart — relying solely on Allah and his honest efforts.
He represents the unsung faithful — those who seek divine favor not through privilege, but through sincerity and struggle. A former tailor, now a seller of threads, yet spiritually elevated beyond measure.
In a world often driven by entitlement, Malam Ismail Shuaibu Musa is a quiet hero — and a living symbol of true devotion.
Fatima Sanda Usara is an Assistant Director with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
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