The 28-year-old Moroccan adventurer Ayad El Mouftahi has completed a bicycle journey from Morocco to Mecca.
Inspired by the traditional pilgrimages of his Muslim ancestors, he began his journey in August 2022 from his hometown of El Jadida.
El Mouftahi cycled through numerous African countries, including Mauritania, Senegal, Gabon, Guinea, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia, and Egypt.
“Since my youth, I dreamed of making the pilgrimage,” El Mouftahi told MAP News before the Mount Arafat. “After traveling by bike through many countries, I decided to fulfill this dream in the way of our ancestors who made the Hajj on the backs of camels.”
Upon arriving in Mecca during Ramadan, El Mouftahi was overwhelmed with emotions as he donned the traditional ihram clothing and finally saw the Kaaba—a moment he described as the culmination of years of dreaming and months of a strenuous journey.
El Mouftahi’s journey was not without hardships. He recounted the 350-kilometer stretch between Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville, where he had to navigate through dense jungle on an unpaved road.
Despite these challenges, he credits his perseverance to his passion for adventure and the support of the people he met along the way.
Through his journey, El Mouftahi hopes to convey several messages. He wants to showcase the deep connection Moroccans have with the holy sites of Islam and highlight the generosity and kindness of the Muslims he encountered in different countries.
According to El Mouftahi, these experiences reflect the core values of tolerance and unity in Islam. Moreover, he is proud to hoist the Moroccan flag and promote his country’s rich culture during his travels.
El Mouftahi also uses his journey to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones. “We are generally used to staying within our comfort zone, but to develop ourselves, we must leave this zone and dare to embark on new adventures without any fear,” he shared on social media. “By doing so, we can change our lives 360 degrees for the better.”
Looking to the future, El Mouftahi plans to continue his epic journey by cycling to Al-Quds Asharif and then to Europe, traveling through Hungary, France, and Spain before returning to Morocco. By the end of his journey, he will have covered an astonishing 50,000 kilometers through 22 countries and three continents.
Morocco World News
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