The Suitcase

Have you ever had an experience where you felt certain Allah was testing your character while teaching your heart?

The Flight: Patience and Total Reliance

On my way to join a hiking team in Cusco, my journey hit a wall before it even truly began. My flight was canceled and rebooked twice. In the chaos, the airline lost my suitcase.

I spent the first two days of the trip relying entirely on the generosity of my fellow travelers for everything from basic clothes to hiking gear. During evening reflections, I shared with the group that I felt Allah was teaching me Sabr (patience) through the travel delays and humility through my sudden dependency on others.

The next morning, my suitcase was delivered to me halfway through the trek at our second pit-stop. Ironically, it was the first place on the trail where I actually could have bought new clothes. But I wasn't meant to buy my way out of this; and there was a deeper lesson waiting.

The Cycle Repeats

Since suitcases aren’t allowed on the actual trek, I had to transfer my essentials to a small bag and hand the suitcase back to the organizers to be returned to Cusco. In the rush, I accidentally tucked my purse containing all my cash and my suitcase key into the bag I just sent away.

The realization hit me almost immediately. I had my clothes for the rest of the hike to Machu Picchu, but I had no money and no clothes for my final days in Cusco and the trip to Rainbow Mountain. I was right back where I started!

The Mountain Top

By the time we reached Rainbow Mountain, the altitude had taken its toll. I was too weak to climb on foot; the only way up was by horse or motorcycle, which cost 80 soles in cash.

I felt a familiar sting of pride. I hated asking my fellow travelers for a loan, but there was no other way to reach the summit. As I sat at the top, looking out over the landscape, I asked one of the group leaders: “Why am I not meant to have my suitcase?” “You haven’t learned the lesson, yet,” she said.

The Realization: Breaking the Illusion of Independence

Reflecting on my question on the bus ride back to the hotel in Cusco, the answer became clear. I have always considered myself to be "wildly independent." I’m not the one who asks. I’m the one that everyone else comes to for help. I have to be stable so I can help them… Or so I thought.

Independence can be a double-edged sword. It can foster a false belief that our successes—and our stability—are solely our own doing, when in fact we know everything is from Allah. This experience was a stripping away of that ego. I was reminded that regardless of my possessions or my planning, I am always in need of Allah.

I need Allah in my best of times as much as the one who calls out to Allah when just about to drown at sea. Just as much - not even a little bit less.

Soon after that realization we arrived at the hotel. As I was trying to find someone with bolt cutters, my roommate looked at the TSA lock on my suitcase and said, “Wait, I think I have the same lock.” And just like that, her key opened my suitcase – just in time for me to pack up for my return flight home the next day.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ أَنتُمُ ٱلْفُقَرَآءُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلْغَنِىُّ ٱلْحَمِيدُ ١٥

 15. O mankind! it is you who are in need of Allah. And Allah is Free of all needs, Worthy of all praise.

The Holy Quran | Sura Fatir, Verse 15

Allah provides for us through each other and according to his divine plan, but ultimately, Allah is the One we need.