A Libyan man’s determination to perform Hajj captured hearts after a dramatic series of events led to his eventual departure for the sacred pilgrimage — despite initial refusal to board.

Amer Al-Mahdi Mansour Al-Gaddafi arrived at the airport to join other pilgrims headed for Makkah.

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However, during routine security checks, officials flagged an issue with his passport due to his surname, delaying his clearance. As the matter was being reviewed, the rest of the pilgrims completed boarding, and the aircraft door was closed.

Though the passport issue was soon resolved, the pilot refused to reopen the gate, proceeding with takeoff. Disheartened but unwavering, Amer refused to leave the airport, declaring that he would not go home without performing Hajj.

One of the airport officers reportedly told him, “Allah didn’t will it for you this year,” to which Amer firmly responded, “The intention is Hajj, and God willing, I will go.”

In an unexpected turn of events, the aircraft experienced a technical fault shortly after takeoff and returned to the airport. After undergoing maintenance, the plane attempted to depart again, only to suffer another fault and return a second time.

At that point, the pilot made a striking statement: “l will not fly until you bring Amer with us on the plane.”

Amer was then escorted aboard the aircraft, finally beginning his long-awaited spiritual journey. A video shared later on social media shows him at a Saudi airport, smiling with joy and gratitude.

The story has since gone viral, inspiring many with its reminder:

“All it takes, when He wills something ˹to be˺, is simply to say to it: “Be!” And it is!” (Qur’an 36:82)