Despite the challenges she faces regularly as a female custodian of Islamic knowledge, empowering voices of women in Islamic and social activities, Alhaja Kafilat Rufai a.k.a. Kaola has continued to play vital roles in advancing the Muslim community in Nigeria. The Ibadan, Oyo State born religious leader, who encourages women to take up their assigned roles in the male-dominated society, is not only a great scholar, but is also a charitable woman. This strong, resilient and intelligent woman who had authority in a number of areas, speaks in this interview about her mission and vision for Islam, as well as secrets around her life. Enjoy…
Tell us the secret behind the popularity of your name, Kaola.
Our elders say, the bigger the head the bigger the challenge. In meaning, the more the wealth the more the responsibilities. On that note, I would give glory to God almighty for standing by me always. He has never for once disappointed me because I have always walked in His path.
How do you feel when people talk about you or mention you in controversial issues?
It does not move me. My system has been immune to controversies since I was a teenager. My father had warned me of the challenges I would encounter in the future because I was destined to be a great person in life. He said I would face challenges but no matter how demanding the challenges are, he said I would be undefeated. So, I naturally am not bothered by the noise about me because they have been predicted.
How do you deal with controversy when they happen?
I take the noises with calmness. And I have noticed that when the noises are happening, Allah blesses me the most. I begin to attract more wealth, it brings me more honour, and peace of the mind. You can call it a blessing in disguise.
Many people see Alhaja Kaola in different lights. Tell us about yourself.
I give all thanks to Allah. I am Alhaja Kafilat Kaola, a young woman who was born at Imodapomola compound in Oke Are, Ibadan, Oyo State. I am from a core Muslim family, Illiyasu Bodija. I was born of past generations of Muslim scholars who practiced Islam and adhered to its fundamental beliefs and practices. Never at a time did my forebears practiced any other faith than Islam. My ancestral origin was Senegal. My ancestors were Muslims who migrated from Senegal to the old Oyo. From Oyo, they moved to Iseyin. From Iseyin, the Ibadan natives specifically invited them to settle down with Islam. My biological father was the late Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulkareem Ahmad Rufai. So, I was born a Muslim. I did not jump into it. I take pride in my noble background.
Will it be right to say that your ancestors introduced Islam to Ibadan or Yorubaland?
When talking about great Muslim scholars in Nigeria, my family would be mentioned. My grandfather, Sheikh Ahmad Rufai, was the first Mufty in Nigeria, who was authorized to interpret Islamic laws. He was honoured with the title in Egypt based on the endorsement by top Islamic scholars from northern Nigeria.
How should you be addressed? Are you also an Alfa, just as male scholars are known?
Yes, I should be addressed as Alfa because I am an Alfa. There’s nothing a man can do that a woman cannot do. If you have been following me, you would have realized that I do almost everything that a man does. And men give me recognition for it. Alhamdulillah.
In Islam, women are not supposed to do certain things like men…
Cuts in… In Islam, women are not considered inferior to men. Islam treats women equally. The holy book, Al-Qur’an, says men and women have similar rights. Although, men are placed in a vantage point. Besides, in the field I’m in, many of my fellow women do not have the opportunity to be there. Women are just coming up actively to advocate for their rights in a society where men hold greater power and influence. I want to appreciate Allah for the opportunity given me to represent fellow women who are aspiring to take their rightful place in the society and enjoy the same privilege I’m enjoying.
Would you like to share with us a personal challenge that bothers you, if any?
The only challenge that I nurse which is personal is my marital life. It has not been without issues. As a believer of Allah, I am overly trusting in people and I consider this as my greatest weakness. The men I trusted with love often became a curse to my life. Loving men has always led to disappointment and even harm for me. But I take solace in the fact that God does not grant man everything in life. He does as He wishes.
Tell us about the preparations for this year’s Hajj travel.
We are 100 percent ready for the 2025 hajj. All the necessary travel documents of our pilgrims are ready. We are using three airlines for the trip this year. We have Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenyan Airlines. My pilgrims, including me, are flying from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on the same day, by the special grace of God. And with all the packages, which include flight ticket, accommodation, transportation, and even additional services like meals or guidance, I, Alhaja Kafilat, collected N8.8 million, which is the same price collected by the state government for this year’s hajj. For a private company like ours, this year’s pilgrims are supposed to pay N14 million.
What are the unusual challenges that you encounter coordinating a hajj trip every year?
Since close to two decades that the Almighty Allah has set up Kaolat Al-Imam Travels and Tours Limited, we have not had any challenges too overwhelming to overcome. We have passed a stage where people who patronize us would have complaints over travel documents. People come to us from all over Nigeria, France and other places. Sometimes, we would beg people who sent us money to identify themselves. I’m happy to tell you that some people have even deposited money for the 2026 year’s hajj because we have had our complete numbers of pilgrims for this year. Although, it has not been all smooth; my personality and businesses have been attacked on several occasions but Allah has been faithful to us. I do not take that for granted.
