Watch: Hajj pilgrim from Belgium cycles his way to Makkah in 4,500km journey
In Ramadan, a 26-year-old young man took his bicycle on a journey like no other; it was not to the near grocery store or even to visit a friend living in another city in Belgium where he lives—it was to Makkah to perform Hajj.
Many consider the Hajj journey tiring in itself. Millions of Muslims flock to the Saudi city from all around the world during this time of year, gather in white robes under the scorching heat of the sun to complete the annual rituals. But this did not deter Anas Al Rezky from embarking on his bike trip.
"It's a dream, a blessing," said the young man after he crossed the borders from Jordan via Halat Ammar Port, a land port on the northern border of Saudi Arabia.
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In Saudi, Anas was welcomed with flowers and Arabian coffee. Upon arrival, he is seen wearing a badge with his Hajj permit and completing the procedures with border security personnel.
Anas said his trip spanned 4,500km as he passed through 13 countries from Europe all the way to the Middle East. In footage shared by Saudi news channel Al Ekhbariya, Anas is seen cycling through lush green fields, dressed in a jacket to shield himself from the cold European weather. As he continues his journey and enters a desert region, the landscape shifts dramatically — and he is shown wearing a white T-shirt."
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In one interview, Anas said that he used to cycle for 100km every day.
"The route was very difficult. I embarked on the journey in Ramadan and I was fasting. I used in sleep in mosques like in Germany and Bosnia, which is a Muslim country," he added.
Pilgrimages have already started to enter Makkah for this year's Hajj. The peak of the Hajj season, Arafa day, falls on the 10th day of the Hijri month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which may fall either on June 7th or 6th, depending on the crescent sighting.
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