In May 2025, Paakeeza Nadir, a 52-year-old mother of four from Camp-Chapelon, Mauritius, was on a pilgrimage to Makkah with her family to perform the Hajj. While resting in the underground area beneath the Clock Tower, a wheelchair fell from a height of 10-12 meters and severely injured her, leaving her with a head injury that required 10 stitches.
The incident had a profound impact on Paakeeza's life, leaving her with a severe spinal cord injury, including a herniated disc that compressed her nerves. Her family was worried about her condition, and her husband, Raffick, was so shocked that he fainted at the scene. Their children, who were scattered around the area, rushed to her side, with their son Shuaib covering 4.7 kilometers on foot to reach his mother due to restricted traffic.
After being treated at Aiyad Hospital, Paakeeza returned to Mauritius, but her condition worsened, with persistent neck pain, dizziness, and weakness. Six months post-accident, she underwent further examination in India, which revealed a severe lesion on her cervical spine. Doctors warned her that she might experience permanent mobility issues and severe sequelae, which made her fear losing her independence and her profession as a seamstress.
Paakeeza had learned sewing from her mother as a child and had built a career around it, creating intricate wedding gowns that required precision and patience. The thought of losing her autonomy and being unable to work was devastating. However, she remained hopeful and attributed her recovery to her faith, saying, "I've always kept my faith. Even in moments of fear, I've put myself in Allah's hands."
Gradually, Paakeeza's condition improved, and she regained some of her autonomy. She started walking and resumed her daily activities. About two months ago, she returned to sewing, working at her own pace and creating new pieces, including wedding gowns. While she acknowledges that things are not exactly as they were before, she is grateful for the progress she has made.
Paakeeza's recovery is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her return to sewing is not just a professional comeback but also a symbol of her regained normalcy. She measures her progress through simple tasks, such as walking and working with her hands. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.
Today, Paakeeza Nadir is back to her normal life, working and taking care of her family. Her accident during the Hajj could have had a more devastating outcome, but she considers herself a "miraculeuse" and is grateful for a second chance. Her wedding gowns, a product of her skill and patience, now symbolize her journey towards recovery and a renewed appreciation for life.
Key points
- Paakeeza Nadir, a 52-year-old woman from Mauritius, has made a remarkable recovery from a life-threatening accident during the Hajj in Makkah.
- Her accident resulted in a severe spinal cord injury, but she has regained her autonomy and returned to her profession as a seamstress.
- Paakeeza's story is an inspiration to many, showcasing her resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
