Eight British pilgrims reached Saudi Arabia after bicycling their way to Mecca after a two-month-long trip to perform the Hajj.
According to StepFeed, the pilgrims traversed through 17 countries to arrive in the kingdom.
The team's leader, Taher Akhtar, was quoted as saying: “The journey is spiritual, and despite its difficulties, it remains one of the most wonderful trips.”
Alhamdulillah Great news.The 8 hajjriders have got 2 Medinah 3,500 klm 6 weeks 8 countries all gone.Donate now. https://t.co/A6bkcvBAgt rt pic.twitter.com/1OX9Qu5fvm
— Yusuf Chambers. (@YusufChambers) August 19, 2017
Akhtar pointed to the difficulties his team had experienced during the trip, including fluctuations in weather, rain, storms, humidity and shortage of oxygen, in addition to hard roads, animals, and snakes.
Akhtar - a seasoned cyclist who has previously led trips to Mecca for Hajj - shared details of the epic journey.
The men went on a "Tour de Hajj" - a play on the annual bicycle race "Tour de France" - to convey that Islam's a religion of peace and tolerance among the countries they passed through.
More than two million Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage
The cyclers also hoped to use their journey to raise money for charity.
Upon their arrival in the kingdom after 6,500 km, Saudi authorities gave them a warm welcome as they were greeted by the chairman of the Society of Culture and Arts in Medina, Mishaal Al Touhami.
The "Tour de Hajj" group were also well-received by locals and cycling enthusiasts who threw them a traditional welcome.
Amazing, amazing, amazing! They cycled 4000 miles from the UK to Medina! To perform Hajj. What a commendable effort! And you can help them raise money for charity by donating. @pennyappeal https://t.co/ykYsMohFu4
— WYP Association of Muslim Police (AMP) (@WYP_AMP) August 10, 2019
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