Usman Arshad, a Pakistani student, recently accomplished an incredible feat by walking over 4,000 kilometers to reach Makkah in Saudi Arabia. His aim was to complete the pilgrimage of Hajj, a dream journey he embarked upon in October of the previous year.
Carrying only a small backpack, an umbrella, and wearing sturdy trekking shoes, the 25-year-old began his pilgrimage from his hometown of Okara in Punjab province, Pakistan. Over the course of several months, he traversed multiple countries until he finally arrived in the holiest city of Islam.
Speaking to Arab News in a phone interview from Saudi Arabia, Arshad expressed his fulfillment, saying, "It took me around five and a half months to enter the Kingdom and see the first roadside board of Makkah inside the holy land." He also shared that the idea to undertake this arduous journey came to him in 2021 when he completed a 34-day walk covering 1,270 kilometers from Okara to the Khunjerab Pass on the China border, with the aim of promoting a positive image of Pakistan.
After finalizing his plans for the Saudi pilgrimage, Arshad dedicated nine months to preparation, and with the support of his family, managed to save approximately $6,800 to cover his expenses.
Recalling the challenges he faced, Arshad said, "I remember leaving home on October 1, 2022, in scorching heat. Then [my] journey continued in both extreme heat and extreme cold. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient."
Originally intending to travel from Pakistan to Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and finally Saudi Arabia on foot, Arshad had to alter his itinerary due to difficulties in obtaining visas. He had sought assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in securing the necessary visas before commencing his journey, but was unable to obtain one for Iraq.
Throughout his travels, Arshad encountered numerous individuals who offered him support and hospitality upon learning about his mission. He remarked, "During my journey, I have had the pleasure of meeting many individuals who have shown me tremendous respect and hospitality, particularly after learning that I am traveling on foot to Makkah to perform Hajj."
When Arshad embarked on his journey, Hajj visas were not yet being issued by the Kingdom, which is why he entered Saudi Arabia on a visit visa. With this year's Hajj scheduled for late June, he now plans to seek approval from Saudi authorities to perform Hajj on his current visa or have its category changed. Arshad called upon Pakistan's foreign and religious affairs ministries to assist him in this matter and affirmed his willingness to cover the Hajj fee and any additional expenses.
In an interview with Arab News in October, when he had just begun his voyage, Arshad stated that the journey was transforming him and shaping his future plans. While he had completed his studies in media and communications at the University of Okara, he now aspires to travel full time. Arshad said, "Earlier, I wanted to join the media, but now I have plans to continue traveling in the future and tell people about different places and countries by visiting them either on foot or otherwise."
Usman Arshad's incredible pilgrimage on foot is a testament to his determination, devotion, and the enduring spirit of the Hajj, drawing admiration from people around the world and inspiring others to pursue their dreams with unwavering commitment.
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