A soul too pure for this world: Tribute to Late Nasiba Salisu Ahmad Gwale

By Abubakar Abdussalam Muhammad (Baban Gwale)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

There are people who pass through life quietly, gently, and beautifully, leaving behind footprints of mercy, kindness, and faith. And when such souls return to their Lord, the world feels dimmer, hearts feel heavier, and the memory of their goodness becomes a refuge for all who knew them.

Among those rare souls is Nasiba Salisu Ahmad.

Nasiba’s life was a tapestry of sincerity, humility, and devotion. She grew up respecting her elders, loving her teachers, and holding tightly to the rope of Allah. When her father passed away at a moment she needed him most, she carried her grief with patience and dignity. Allah, in His mercy, surrounded her with the unwavering love of her mother Umma, and the steadfast support of her brothers:

Dr. Jamilu Salis (Kedco), Engr. Najib Salis, Salim Salis, Dr. Zayyad Salis , and the entire Salis family.

Under their care, she blossomed into a resilient, compassionate, and God-fearing woman.

In Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where she served as an Account Officer, Nasiba’s kindness became legendary. She was the heartbeat of assistance, helping colleagues, patients, teachers, relatives and anyone who crossed her path. She made every visit easier, every need lighter. When we were going to AKTH, she was our first call; and she would not rest until everything went smoothly. Serving others was not her job but her nature.

But behind her permanent smile and soft words, Nasiba was carrying a secret battle.

Breast cancer crept into her life quietly, like a shadow. And because her heart was gentle, she hid it, fearing to burden anyone with her pain. She endured silently, hoping Allah would make a way.

I still remember the day she called me while I was in Saudi Arabia. Her voice trembled, yet was full of faith, as she finally revealed the illness she had concealed for so long. We spoke at length, she holding back her pain, I offering her every word of consolation, urging her toward patience, reminding her of Allah’s mercy. From that day, we continued communicating whenever her strength allowed. And when her voice could no longer carry words, her brothers Engr. Najib and Salim kept me updated, step by step, with tenderness and courage.

By Allah’s grace, she was taken to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and for further treatment. Even in weakness, she sent messages filled with hope and faith. I did not know she had returned home until one of my dedicated students, Malam Hasan Mika’il (Malam Hasan Atashemu) who tirelessly pushed for every opportunity to secure her treatment, even trying to arrange her travel to Egypt reminded me. But Allah had written a nearer destination for her:

the gardens of her eternal home, In Shaa Allah.

I never saw her again.

I never heard that gentle, encouraging voice.

I never witnessed the smile that hid her pain and revealed her faith.

I thought perhaps her worsening condition made visits difficult. I kept reassuring myself that she only needed time that she would return with a triumphant story of survival, telling us how Allah carried her through. But Allah knew her exhaustion. He knew the weight of her years of silent suffering.

And Allah loved her more than all of us combined.

Then came the call from Engr. Najib, on Friday, October, 31st.

Not with an update, but with the heartbreaking news of her departure.

I was outside Kano for an assignment, unable to stand beside her family or take part in her final moments. I wished, with every part of my heart, that I had been there… that I could have led her funeral prayer, a moment I know she would have treasured, but Qaddarallahu wa maa sha’a fa‘al.

Today, we offer our deepest condolences to her mother, her brothers, her family, Sheikh Auwal, Sheikh Qani Islamiyyas, her colleagues at AKTH, and everyone whose life was touched by her compassion and light.

And we pray especially for the precious daughter she left behind, may Allah protect her, honor her, and make her the best ongoing charity for her mother.

Nasiba was not only loved,

she was a blessing.

She was a mercy.

She was a soul too pure for this world.

May Allah forgive her, envelop her in His mercy, widen her grave, and fill it with light.

May He make her suffering a means of elevation.

May He grant her Jannatul-Firdaws, without reckoning or punishment.

And may He reunite us with her in an eternal home where pain no longer exists, and where smiles never fade.

رحمكِ الله يا نسيبة، وجعل الفردوس الأعلى داركِ وقراركِ. آمين.

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