For Dr. Folake Jalilah Kofo-Idowu, Nigeria-born US physician, the 2025 pilgrimage was more than just a spiritual obligation—it was a divine calling that unfolded with remarkable ease, leaving her overwhelmed with gratitude and reflection.
A native of Lagos State and Founder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Iyewo Clinic, Dr Kofo-Idowu shared her moving experience in a detailed and emotional testimony that highlights both the physical and spiritual journey of one of Islam’s most sacred pillars.
Speaking with Muslim News, Dr Kofo-Idowu said, “I initially thought performing hajj would be easy, considering the cost manageable without significant financial strain. Everything seemed smooth, and I wondered why it was a big deal for others. However, I realised that the ease was a blessing from Allah, making something that could be challenging seem attainable.”
She added, “At the end of the day, I acknowledge that Allah owns all power and dominion, and His blessings facilitate the completion of tasks. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of the role of faith and divine blessings in overcoming challenges.
“I wanted to do this last year, and Allah Himself orchestrated the circumstances that I couldn’t. I couldn’t even attempt. It wasn’t that I applied, and I couldn’t get it. I was not just in a position to attempt because a lot of things were shaky, and I had to get myself together.”
This year, she says, everything changed. Folake believes it was Allah who put it in her heart to make the journey at the right time.
“This year, I am happy that Allah called me and I guess that’s why He put it in my heart to do it, because I know I want to travel the world but I had to tell myself before I start jetting off to all sorts of places, I need to do the most important obligatory trip —to the House of Allah and the Holy Land.”
Having performed Umrah twice in the past, the CEO of Amal Outreach made a personal commitment to prioritise Hajj over any other travel.
“I must do it before I travel anywhere else. I have travelled elsewhere but not with that kind of intention of ‘I want to travel and enjoy the sights of the world.’”
“Allah made it easy for me”
Throughout her account, Dr Kofo-Idowu repeatedly emphasized the grace with which Allah facilitated her journey—something she does not take lightly.
“Alhamdulillah, I am overjoyed that Allah invited me, and He enabled me to answer the call and He made it easy for me. And if I never get to do this again, at least I have done it. My prayer is that I get to do this again.”
A transformative journey
Reflecting on the spiritual journey, while speaking with Muslim News, Dr. Kofo-Idowu, a double-board certified infectious disease and internal medicine physician by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), described the Hajj as humbling and awakening, particularly for young Muslims.
She said, “It is humbling. It is an awakening because, more and more, I just realised the importance of spending your youth on the path of Allah.”
Though she initially assumed the pilgrimage would be simple due to how smoothly the logistics were arranged, the founder of Iyewo, the primary care service clinic in Lagos Island, soon realised the significance of the pilgrimage and the need to dedicate herself fully.
“Everything was just smooth, like how is this a big deal, but you have to reflect and know that it is part of the blessings of Allah,” she added.
Powerful moments of worship
One of the most moving moments for Dr Kofo-Idowu came while performing Tawaaf – circumambulating or walking in circles around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise motion
“It was a magnetic feeling when I touched the Ka’bah. It lifted my spiritual mood. If I wasn’t crying earlier, I would start crying,” she confessed!
The day of Arafat held profound significance for millions of pilgrims, including Dr. Kofo-Idowu, who also founded Amal outreach, as she stood in the same place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed and reflected on the importance of connecting with oneself and asking Allah for forgiveness and blessings. “It was just you and your Lord and asking Him for what you need, for His blessings, His forgiveness,” she said.
Spiritual reflection at Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah – a holy site nestled between Arafat and Mina – was another humbling experience, where she slept under a bridge alongside other pilgrims, realising the true nature of submission to Allah. “We are all slaves and servants of Allah and we are nothing but a flesh that will turn back to the earth and the soul is what matters,” she noted.
Physical toll and spiritual reward
The stoning at Jamrat – one of the most important Hajj acts, was an interesting experience, albeit a long walk due to crowd control. Folake acknowledged the physical demands of Hajj, having lost almost 3kg of weight during the pilgrimage.
High praise for Al-Hujjaj Travels
Dr Kofo-Idowu travelled with Al-Hujaaj International Hajj & Umrah Service, and she praised their professionalism and quality of service.
“Alhamdulillah, the five-star services this year were better than last year from what I understand. Their coordination was good, there were hitches but they were not from them and were out of their control.”
She confirmed that she would be happy to use their services again and would recommend them to other intending pilgrims.
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