What is your connection with Allah...?

This is the astonishing story of a young Pilgrim (Haji) from Libya, for whom a plane that refused to take him had to return from mid-air twice!

The people of Libya reacted strongly to this unique and heart-touching incident that happened to Pilgrim Amer Al-Mahdi. This is that fortunate person whose intention (Niyyah) was so firm and whose heart was so pure that the Creator of the universe turned the plane back twice just to bless him with the honor of performing Hajj.

This incident was discussed on Al Jazeera's program "Shabakat" broadcasted on May 26, 2025. It so happened that the authorities at Sabha Airport in southern Libya stopped Amer Al-Mahdi from boarding the plane due to a passport issue. At the time of flight, the names of the passengers traveling to Hejaz were called out, but he was not allowed inside. Then the plane took off and departed at its scheduled time, but Al-Mahdi neither lost hope nor left the airport's departure hall. With complete steadfastness and conviction, he kept saying: "I have made the intention, I am going for Hajj, and I will go!" People tried to explain to him, "Brother, the flight has left. It is impossible for you to go now. Therefore, go home and pray to Allah to bless you with Hajj next year." But Amer did not listen to anyone and said, "Just watch, I will go on Hajj."

Meanwhile, destiny had other plans. After reaching the sky, the plane suddenly suffered a technical fault and landed back at the airport. This moment could have been a new ray of hope for Al-Mahdi, but when the plane returned and permission was sought for Al-Mahdi to board, the pilot refused to open the steps. The technical fault of the aircraft was fixed, and it took off into the air once again, leaving Al-Mahdi behind.

But that man of faith neither despaired nor returned home. The authorities tried to convince him that no hope was left, but his reply was filled with absolute faith:

"إن الطائرة لن تذهب بدونه وإنها ستعود."

"This plane will not leave without me, it will return again."

And astonishingly, that is exactly what happened! The plane suffered another technical glitch and was forced to return to the airport once more. This time, the pilot announced: "Until Amer Al-Mahdi boards, I will not fly the plane."

And so it happened. The moment Al-Mahdi finally boarded the plane, his video went viral on social media, and at that time, Mahdi's happiness was a sight to behold.

Reaction on Social Media:

This unbelievable incident became a hot topic of discussion on social media. Some called it the victory of sincere intention, while others criticized the mismanagement of Libya's aviation system. One user, "Al-Ibtisamah," wrote: "When a plane returns twice just for you, it is no ordinary thing. You have a special connection with Allah that He accepted your prayer." Another user, "Alon," said: "When the goodness of intention precedes the action, the good expectation from Allah is strong, and reliance (Tawakkul) is pure, only then does such a miracle manifest. Allah makes everything possible with His power." Another user, Juma'ah, wrote: "Unbelievable! First they tear your nerves to shreds, then the pilot refuses to open the steps? We Libyans really make everything complicated! But Al-Mahdi's perseverance and complete faith in Allah bore fruit." He has now reached the holy land, and in a video, Mahdi is seen wearing the Ihram, narrating the story of his journey, and was heard saying: "Alhamdulillah! I have reached the House of Allah (Baitullah)."

The truth is that a cry arising from the depth of the heart shakes the Throne (Arsh). The One who stops a flying plane is the same Being who knows the state of intentions. Truly... Mahdi! There was some special connection between you and Allah...! Some special relationship... some very deep relationship!! May we be blessed with it too.