Haj 2020: Moroccan cycles for four years across 28 countries for pilgrimage

A Moroccan pilgrim finally arrived in time for Haj in the holy city of Makkah after his epic four-year bicycle journey during which he travelled across 28 countries.

Ghulam Yassin embarked on the journey in 2017 and arrived in Saudi Arabia about seven months ago. But in spite of arriving in time for Haj, Yassin could not perform the pilgrimage this year due to the pandemic and stayed put in Abha for its cool climate, reported Arab News.

"I walked from Makkah to Madinah on foot, following the journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The pandemic reached the Kingdom by the time I reached Madinah," he said.

In a video shared widely on social media, Yassin said, "I spent four years traveling on foot just to reach Makkah so that I can perform Haj." During this journey, Yassin would sleep in a portable tent and cook food in the utensils he carried with him.

Moved by Yassin's dedication, Saudi media personality, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, decided to travel to Abha to meet and welcome the Moroccan pilgrim. Al Mutairi said, "We came all the way from Qassim to meet you. You are our guest and the guest of every home in the Kingdom. We are so happy to have you."

Not only this, Al Mutairi and his group gifted Yassin a well-stocked caravan and left him speechless by offering him all expenses paid Haj next year. "The reason we came to Abha so fast was because we were touched by your story. I, too, want to gift you something. We will take care of your Haj expenses for next year," Al Mutairi added.

"I experienced warm hospitality every day in the Kingdom," said an elated Yassin.

• Saudi Arabia