Spanish Muslims Make Hajj Journey on Horseback
The journey started when Hernández, a Spanish convert to Islam, formed a close connection with Harkassi during a 10-month academic project in London, where they translated a 10th-century manuscript on falconry. By the end of their scholarly endeavor, a deep brotherhood had emerged. Born into Catholicism, Hernández shared that he had once vowed to Allah that if he ever undertook the Hajj pilgrimage, he would do so on horseback.
'Through all the pressure and challenges, we realized we made a great team,' Harkassi told SceneTraveller . 'So I said, I'm with you. Let's do it.' That vow became a mission.
Preparing for this journey took four years of rigorous training. From Portugal's blistering summers to Spain's icy winters, they pushed their limits alongside their Aseel mares—horses known for their endurance. 'Training was ten times harder than the journey itself,' Harkassi admits. 'We tested everything—our horses, our equipment, even our resolve.'
Spanish Muslim
Their route traces the historical path of Omar Patón, a Spanish Muslim who made the pilgrimage to Makkah over 500 years ago, traveling through Alexandria, Damascus, and Jerusalem. Initially, they intended to follow his footsteps via North Africa, but regional instability and border restrictions forced them to chart a new course through Europe. Their journey began at the Almonaster Mosque in southern Spain and took them through France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia.
The road has not been easy. In Bosnia, their horses disappeared for three days after straying into a former minefield—eerie remnants of the Balkan War. 'It felt like something out of a movie,' they recalled. Bureaucratic red tape, like delays at the Serbian border, added further obstacles. Yet they were met with unexpected kindness along the way. Equestrian clubs, mosques, and even non-Muslims offered help. 'We met atheists, fascists, people with all kinds of misconceptions about Islam,' said Harkassi. 'But once they saw we were riding not for fame or money, but for faith, it changed them.'
The heart of their journey is their team. Tarek Rodríguez, who joined just before departure, has become a vital rider. Bouchaib Jadil drives their support vehicle, managing supplies and horse care. Meanwhile, influencer Abdelrahman Al Mutiri is documenting their story, sharing it with thousands online.
Now, with Saudi Arabia in sight, their dream is nearing reality. Eight months of hardship—through cold, hunger, and exhaustion—are culminating in this final stretch. But for Harkassi, the meaning of Hajj lies in the journey itself. 'The path is the pilgrimage,' he says. 'The land, the people, the stories—these are the blessings you miss when you fly.'
This experience has changed them. 'We left with khawf wa raja' —hope and fear,' Harkassi reflects. 'Now, we've lived what it means to trust Allah completely. We don't just believe it—we know it.'
Soon, they will lay eyes on the Kaaba for the first time. After everything they've endured, that moment will mean everything. 'Eight months on horseback,' Harkassi says. 'Seeing the Kaaba will be overwhelming. A dream fulfilled. Every hardship—worth it.'
Related Topics:
Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations
Riyadh Global Health Exhibition to Bring Together Int'nal Healthcare Experts
Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Governor
New Chapter Unfolded: Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Intensive Care Unit
Short link :
Post Views: 55
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week
RIYADH: A Saudia Airlines flight carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia from the Middle East was diverted on Saturday following a bomb threat, according to reports. It is the second such incident in a week involving a Saudia flight. Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat, and was due to land in Surabaya on the island of Java. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said air traffic controllers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta received a call alerting them to a bomb threat onboard the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday morning. The head of the regional airport authority, Asri Santosa, said in a statement that officers were inspecting the aircraft upon arrival, though the airport remained fully operational. All 376 passengers, Hajj pilgrims from Java, and 13 crew members were reported safe, according to a North Sumatra police spokesperson. The passengers are expected to resume their journey on Sunday. On request for comment by Arab News, Saudia confirmed the security threat was ultimately deemed false. 'In strict accordance with safety protocols, Saudia diverted flight SV5688 operating to Surabaya to Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia as a precautionary measure,' the airline said. 'The aircraft landed, and all guests and crew have deplaned safely. Local authorities conducted the required checks shortly after landing and have cleared the aircraft for continued operation. 'The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain Saudia's highest priority no matter the cost. Full care and support have been provided, and onward travel arrangements to Surabaya are being made,' it added. On Tuesday, another Saudia flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after authorities received an email containing a bomb threat.
Al Arabiya
a day ago
- Al Arabiya
Bomb threat diverts Saudia plane of Hajj pilgrims in Indonesia for a second time in days
A plane carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia from the Middle East was diverted Saturday after a bomb threat, the transport ministry and police said, the second such incident in a week. Saudia Airlines flight SV5688 had flown from the Saudi city of Jeddah to the Omani capital Muscat before travelling on to Indonesia where it was due to land in Surabaya, a city on the main island Java. But air traffic control officers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta received a call about a bomb threat for the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan city Saturday morning, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said. Regional airport authority head Asri Santosa said in a statement officers were checking the plane after its arrival but the airport on Sumatra island remained operational. All 376 passengers, Hajj pilgrims from Java, and 13 crew members were safe at the airport, North Sumatra police spokesman Ferry Walintukan told AFP. He said a bomb squad was deployed to sweep the aircraft. The passengers are due to resume their journey on Sunday, said Asri. On Tuesday a plane carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims back from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after an email bomb threat was sent to authorities.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
4 exhibitions at the Prophet's Mosque courtyards that bring Islamic heritage to life
Saudi Gazette report MADINAH — Several exhibitions and knowledge centers within the courtyards and halls of the Prophet's Mosque are offering enriching cultural and educational experiences to pilgrims and visitors during the Hajj season, showcasing the depth of Islamic heritage and the warm hospitality of Madinah. Among the key attractions is the Exhibition on the Architecture of the Prophet's Mosque, located in the southern square opposite exits 308 and 309. Open daily from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the exhibition highlights the architectural evolution of the mosque through interactive displays and modern presentation techniques. Nearby, the International Exhibition of the Prophet's Biography, situated in front of exits 306 and 307, operates from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The exhibition offers visitors a contemporary, immersive experience into the life and character of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), presenting his values and message through multimedia Facility 204 in the southern square, the Rare Manuscripts Exhibition welcomes guests from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 features a remarkable collection of historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that chronicle the development of Islamic calligraphy and literature across the Prophet's Mosque Library, located near Gate 10 on the western side, provides around-the-clock services to comprises several specialized sections, including rare books, manuscripts, an audio library, and various technical Rare Books and Manuscripts Section, situated inside the mosque near the Uthman Gate, is a key destination for scholars and houses more than 4,000 original manuscripts, around 60,000 digital manuscripts, 4,600 imaged manuscripts, as well as 250 handwritten Qur'ans and 200 printed Qur' section operates in two shifts: from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
