Two pilgrims find love in Mecca

Their love is a beautiful blend of devotion, care, and admiration. Muhsin’s protective nature perfectly complements Jaliah’s thoughtful and nurturing character. A small but telling moment happens just before our interview; Muhsin briefly panics, thinking he has misplaced his tablet. But, of course, Jaliah has already tucked it safely away. It was this same thoughtfulness that first drew him to her.

Faith and destiny

Their journey began on April 1, 2024, during a pilgrimage to Mecca; a trip neither expected would change their lives forever.

For Muhsin, the pilgrimage was a deeply spiritual quest. “I went seeking clarity,” he shares. “I asked God for guidance, especially in finding a life partner.” Amid millions of worshippers at the Kaaba, he unexpectedly crossed paths with a group of Ugandans, including Jaliah.

Jaliah had not planned to return to Mecca so soon after her previous visit. “A friend encouraged me to go back,” she recalls. “I was not supposed to be there, but somehow, God’s plan led me back.”

She had seen Muhsin speak at an event years earlier, admiring his intelligence and calm demeanour. When fate placed them together in the holiest of places, she took the opportunity to reconnect, not for romance, but for assistance with a project. Their initial conversations were strictly professional, but as time passed, something deeper began to take shape.

“She has an incredible sense of humour and a deep spiritual grounding,” Muhsin says with a smile. “It made me realise she could be the woman I had been praying for.”

For Jaliah, it was Muhsin’s kindness and steady nature that stood out. “He is someone you meet once and never forget.”

A birthday surprise

October 2024 was meant to be a simple celebration. Jaliah had planned to spend her birthday with family in Kalangala District and had coordinated every detail with her mother, sisters, and a close friend. But fate, once again, had its plan.

“My bags were delayed in Nairobi, Kenya,” she says, shaking her head. “I missed my connecting flight, which meant missing the boat to Kalangala.”

What felt like a disaster at first turned out to be divine timing. Unknown to her, Muhsin had been planning to propose on her birthday. 

“I had the ring, but I did not know how it was going to happen,” he admits. “I just trusted God to create the right moment.”

Frustrated by the change of plans, Jaliah found herself spending the day with Muhsin instead. “At first, I was so upset. Nothing was going as planned,” she laughs. “But Muhsin kept assuring me it would all work out.”

And then, in a quiet, intimate moment, he got down on one knee and asked her to spend forever with him.

Their engagement was intentionally private, with only a handful of loved ones involved. “We wanted to strengthen our foundation before inviting the world in,” Muhsin explains.

A love sealed in commitment

The moment Jaliah knew Muhsin was serious about their future was when he introduced her to his parents. “I thought it was just a small visit,” she recalls, “but his whole family was there. That is when I knew he was not playing around.”

For Muhsin, the moment of certainty came when he met Jaliah’s family and saw the love they had for her. “Hearing them speak so highly of her made me even surer that she was the one.”

Their love story moved swiftly but beautifully. In November, they held their kukyala, followed by the kwanjula (traditional introduction) and nikah (Islamic wedding ceremony) on January 4, 2025.

“Everything happened so fast,” Jaliah says. “But it all felt so right.”

Wedding on faith

Muhsin believes that when you know, you know. “It does not take years to recognise the right person,” he says. Jaliah nods in agreement. “We were both ready.”

Planning their wedding in such a short time was not easy. “Weddings come with pressure; finances, expectations, and logistics,” Muhsin admits. They had envisioned a small, intimate ceremony, but family expectations meant a much larger celebration. “Our parents wanted to invite people who had been part of our lives,” Muhsin explains.

Despite the challenges, they remained grounded. “We made sure we were financially, emotionally, and spiritually ready,” says Muhsin. By covering most of the expenses themselves, they ensured their special day was about love, not financial strain.

Love across continents

Jaliah and Muhsin come from different professional backgrounds but share a common purpose. Muhsin, a humanitarian, travels frequently for work, while Jaliah and flight attendant, is based in Doha, Qatar. Their relationship thrives on understanding, patience, and intentionality.

“Distance is just geography,” Jaliah says. “With flights, video calls, and daily check-ins, we stay connected.”

Muhsin adds, “We make time for each other. Every visit, every call, every message; it all counts.”

Navigating a long-distance relationship has only strengthened their bond. “It has taught us resilience and appreciation for the moments we share,” Jaliah says.

Guided by faith

For Jaliah and Muhsin, faith is not just a part of their relationship; it is the foundation. “God has guided us every step of the way,” Jaliah says. “And we know He will continue to.”

Their dream is to create a family that embodies kindness, warmth, and devotion.

“When you invest in building a strong foundation, everything else falls into place,” Jaliah adds.

Jaliah and Muhsin’s love story is a testament to the beauty of faith and destiny. Through trust, prayer, and devotion, they have built a truly heaven-sent love.

Advice

For those seeking love, Jaliah and Muhsin offer heartfelt advice.

First, love yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Pray and trust God’s timing, as the right love will not need to be forced.

Be intentional, knowing exactly what you want in a partner and relationship. Finally, keep your relationship private because not everyone needs a front-row seat.