Physically demanding Hajj journeys echo pilgrimages of the past
RIYADH: While some worshippers choose to travel to Hajj in comfort, others see the pilgrimage as an opportunity to test their physical and spiritual fortitude.
Following in the long tradition of epic journeys that led the faithful of history to Makkah, adventurous Muslims today are challenging themselves in a variety of ways.
This year, three friends on horseback rode more than 8,000 kilometers over seven months from the south of Spain to Saudi Arabia to complete the Islamic rites in the holy capital.
Their route retraced a historic one first trod by Andalusian Muslims living in Europe more than 500 years ago.
Abdelkader Harkassi, Abdallah Hernandez and Tariq Rodriguez travelled through Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Turkiye, Syria and Jordan before crossing into Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders region and making their way to Makkah.
Hernandez told Arab News that the ride was a 'trip of challenges where every step (was) felt by us and the horses, but (was) also a journey for the soul.'
The riders set off with limited funds and were supported by Muslims that they met along the way.
Another group of worshippers took to the seas, taking about two months to sail more than 7,400km from London to Makkah.
Abdul Wahid, Tauseef Ahmed, Jody McIntyre, Dobbir Uddin and Taher Akhtar from London had no previous sailing experience before training for the maritime mission.
Speaking to Arab News, Wahid, 38, said he was inspired by the combination of influences of his Muslim faith and the maritime history of the UK.
'It is kind of merging our religion Islam with the country (where) we are residing, and reviving this long-forgotten way to Hajj,' he said.
In June 2022, British pilgrim Adam Mohammed arrived in Makkah after setting off from his home in Wolverhampton, UK 11 months earlier and 6,500km away.
He walked through the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan to reach Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed told Arab News at the time that, while studying the Qu'ran during COVID-19 lockdowns, he felt a spiritual calling inviting him on the journey.
'Suddenly, I woke up one day and something inside me told me to go to Makkah all the way by foot from my home,' he said. 'I could not ignore this voice and decided to go for it.'
Pulling a 250kg cart in which he slept, prepared food and kept his personal belongings, Mohammed said that there were 'no big difficulties' on his travels, and that he was undertaking the challenge for religion and not for fame.
Nabil Ennasri, a French pilgrim of Moroccan origin, cycled more than 5,000km to reach Makkah for the 2023 Hajj season.
He began his journey in Paris and crossed 11 countries including Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Greece, Jordan and Turkiye.
The 41-year-old wanted to revive the traditional pilgrimage experience and use his trip to raise awareness for global warming.
Ennasri was able to retrace the historical journey taken by Muslims, and some of his own relatives, in the past.
'Some members of my family also traveled on foot. It could have taken months or even years. Some lost their lives during the journey,' he said.
'When I remember these moments, I find the strength in me.'
Explaining the significance of his journey, he added: 'My first objective is to explain global warming; it is very important for our children and future generations.
'My second goal is to understand what kind of difficulties people (experienced) on pilgrimage in ancient times, to understand their long journeys on foot.'
The trip was reminiscent of those carried out by millions of Muslims over the centuries, most of whom would have to have endured far greater hardships than travelers today.
Perhaps history's most well-known Muslim explorer, Ibn Battuta, set off from his native Morocco in 1325 and did not return for another 24 years.
He ended up discovering a love of travelling, reaching as far as China, but the first leg of his journey was to the holy capital to perform Hajj.
In 2020, a Moroccan named Ghulam Yassin arrived in Makkah after retracing much of Ibn Battuta's original journey.
Yassin travelled on foot and by bicycle for four years to perform Hajj — one of the five essential pillars of Islam.
Generous Saudis were so inspired by his journey that they pledged to cover the cost of his pilgrimage the following year.
In June 2022, Indian pilgrim Shihab Chottur arrived in Makkah after walking 8,600km from his home in Malappuram, Kerala.
Chottur, who was 31 at the time, set off on foot carrying 12kg of luggage with $8,500 in his pocket.
He passed through Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Kuwait, and a year later arrived in the Kingdom.
The money he brought with him turned out not to be needed, because the Saudi government and Indian consulate decided to sponsor his Hajj.
Instead, the shop owner used it to pay for his mother to complete the pilgrimage the following year.
The Hajj pilgrimage is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to complete it at least once in their life.
While the Saudi authorities continue to make the process more accessible and comfortable for all believers, including those with mobility issues, every year physically demanding journeys such as these remind us of the difficulties of performing Hajj in the past.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact
RIYADH: As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for Hajj, concern is growing over the environmental toll of one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings — particularly the vast quantities of plastic waste left behind. From water bottles to shopping bags, single-use plastics are a staple at major public events, and Hajj is no exception. Given the sheer volume of pilgrims, this waste can have lasting environmental consequences, unless mitigated by more sustainable choices. Fortunately, awareness is growing among individuals and organizations about the harm caused by plastic pollution. Many are now turning to greener alternatives to reduce their footprint during the holy season. Among the most commonly used items are plastic water bottles. With millions expected to be discarded during Hajj, experts and advocates say it is important to replace single-use items with reusable options or eliminate their use altogether. One local company working to address the issue is Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based provider of sustainable packaging. The company provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia's move away from disposable plastics. 'We proudly align our efforts with the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to a greener future through both innovation and local production,' Aboobacker Yousuf, chairman and managing director of the GP Group of Companies that owns Green Bags Saudi, told Arab News. Although the company will not be directly involved in this year's pilgrimage, Yousuf said it strongly advocates for more eco-conscious practices during Hajj. 'We recommend reusable cotton tote bags for carrying personal items, biodegradable hygiene kits, jute or canvas pouches for organizing belongings, and eco-friendly water bottles and cutlery sets,' he said. 'These items not only serve practical needs but also significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable plastics during the event.' Yousuf also encouraged pilgrims to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability. 'Choosing reusable items over disposable ones, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing plastic use can make a significant difference,' he said. 'By carrying cloth bags, refilling water bottles instead of buying plastic ones, and using compostable or biodegradable products, every pilgrim can contribute to preserving the holy sites and supporting Saudi Arabia's broader sustainability vision.' • 506 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2022, but only 9 percent were recycled. • Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life. • Plastic waste affects soil quality, damages plants, and contributes to groundwater pollution. • By 2050, the weight of plastic waste present in our oceans could surpass that of fish. While private companies are taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the public sector is also playing a key role in aligning Hajj services with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 — a national strategy that seeks to boost quality of life across the Kingdom. One standout example is the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, launched last month by the Fashion Commission. The program focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets. By embracing the principles of circular fashion, the initiative merges faith, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship — aiming to provide visitors with exceptional experiences while protecting natural resources. 'The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry,' said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, in comments to the Saudi Press Agency. As Hajj begins, such efforts underscore a growing sense of shared responsibility for the environment. With the support of private enterprise and government initiatives, more pilgrims are being empowered to make sustainable choices. By opting for reusable products, minimizing waste, and supporting eco-friendly innovations, pilgrims can help protect the sanctity of the holy sites — and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom and the planet.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Spanish Muslims retrace ancient Hajj route on horseback from Andalusia to Makkah
CAIRO: Three Spanish pilgrims performing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia rode on horseback to Makkah, traveling thousands of kilometers in snow and rain and along a path they said had not been trekked for more than 500 years. Abdelkader Harkassi Aidi, Tarek Rodriguez and Abdallah Rafael Hernandez Mancha set out from southern Spain in October, riding through France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkiye, Syria and Jordan to arrive in Saudi Arabia in May. It was an emotional moment for the trio when they reached Makkah. No pilgrim had traveled this way since 1491, they said. Harkassi said the group's path from Spain took them across about 8,000 kilometers (nearly 5,000 miles) before they reached the Kaaba, the black cube structure in the Grand Mosque in Makkah. 'We had crossed so many kilometers to be there and Allah had replied to our wish,' he told The Associated Press on Thursday from Arafat, southeast of Makkah. 'We were in front of the Kaaba and had the opportunity to touch it. So, that 8,000 kilometers became nothing.' During their monthslong journey they came across scenic stretches of nature and historical landmarks in Syria, including the Aleppo Citadel and the Umayyad Mosque. They also found an old railway track built during the time of the Ottoman Empire that connected Istanbul to Saudi Arabia. They followed it for days to help guide them to the desert kingdom. But there were challenges, too. They lost their horses in Bosnia, only to find them later in a land mine zone. Nobody could fetch the horses because of the explosives, but the animals eventually made it out of the area unharmed, Harkassi said. The human element of the trip was the most valuable for the team, he added. 'When we didn't have anything, people helped us with our horses, with our food, they gave us money. When our assistance car got broken, they fixed it for us,' Harkassi said. 'People have been incredible. I think it's proof that Muslims are united, that the one ummah (nation) that every Muslim longs for is a reality.'
Saudi Gazette
7 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Over 23,000 buses deployed while Mashaer Train transports 604,000 pilgrims
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — More than 23,000 buses were deployed across three shuttle routes, supplemented by traditional modes of transportation during this year's Hajj, according to the control room at the Public Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. This effort, part of the largest transport fleet operating in a single area worldwide, achieved a record time for Tawaf Al-Ifadah, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and precise operational coordination. Moreover, the Mashaer Metro Train maintained its efficient performance, transporting over 604,000 pilgrims since its launch of operation for this year's Hajj on Tuesday. These were distributed across three main movements: Movement A with more than 27,000 passengers, Movement B with 283,000, and Movement C—the highest—with 294,000, reflecting the system's strong operational efficiency. In the health sector, the Ministry of Health continued to provide integrated services through its facilities across the holy sites. The number of health services provided exceeded 125,573, including advanced procedures such as 216 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries, all performed efficiently by qualified Saudi medical personnel. This outcome confirms the high level of health preparedness and the development of national medical capabilities. In the same context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that it has conducted over 5.5 million electronic readings of the Nusuk Card as part of its technical plans to enhance pilgrim services and improve organizational safety. Meanwhile, the Pilgrims Care Center, through the unified number 1966, has provided more than 310,000 services since the beginning of the season, including inquiries and direct support. Additionally, field teams from the Compliance Centers have carried out over 65,000 inspection tours of service providers to reinforce compliance and improve performance quality. These integrated efforts reflect the strong coordination among various entities involved in Hajj, under the guidance of the wise leadership and in line with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to advance the Hajj system, harness modern technology, enhance the pilgrim experience, and enable them to perform their rituals in a safe, organized environment prepared to the highest international standards.
