1200km for Umrah: A pilgrimage on Two Wheels
It was a journey that will be remembered for a lifetime. Three determined cyclists, Shaban Shawkat, Bilal Ibrahim, and Razwan Rebwar, embarked on a grueling 1200 km trek from the border of Iraq and Saudi Arabia to the holy city of Mecca. Their goal was not just to reach the city, but to perform the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah and make their way back home by flying to Erbil.
The journey was not for the faint of heart, as they faced scorching temperatures, rugged terrain and unforgiving desert landscapes. But they pushed on, driven by their unwavering faith and the desire to complete the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah.
"Cycling to Mecca was a journey of determination, devotion, and spiritual fulfillment. A 1200km trek that will forever be etched in my memory." - Razwan Rebwar
As they crossed the city of Hail, they were met with the warm hospitality of the locals, who offered them refreshment and rest. They faced the difficult terrain of Sakaka, Al-Jawf and other treacherous regions. Despite the challenges, they pressed on. Their spirits never faltered and their determination never wavered. Finally, after traveling for days on end, they reached the city of Meddinah, where they paused to reflect on the history and significance of the city to Islam.
But their ultimate goal was still ahead. They had to reach Mecca and perform the sacred rite of Umrah. With renewed vigor, they continued on their journey, until they finally reached the holy city. The sight of the Kaaba and the sound of the call to prayer filled them with emotion as they completed the rituals of Umrah.
"Cycling to Mecca was an unforgettable journey, a true test of strength, both physically and mentally. The reward of performing Umrah in Mecca made it all worth it." - Bilal Ibrahim
After the spiritual journey, they fly back to Erbil, where they were greeted with a hero's welcome upon their return. The city came together to honor their accomplishment, with a ceremony held at the ancient Erbil Citadel. The cyclists were greeted by a crowd of well-wishers and supporters, who had followed their journey and were eager to hear about their experiences. They shared stories of their journey, the challenges they faced and the moments of triumph that made it all worth it.
The ceremony was not just a celebration of the cyclists' accomplishment, but also a celebration of the human spirit. They had shown that with determination and faith, anything is possible. The ceremony was a fitting end to a journey that will be remembered for generations to come.
The journey of Shaban Shawkat, Bilal Ibrahim, and Razwan Rebwar, had inspired many and had left a lasting legacy. Their journey had come to an end, but the memories will remain forever. They had cycled from Arar to Mekkah , crossing Hail, Sakaka, Al-Jawf, Meddinah and finished by doing Umrah in Mekkah and was welcomed in Erbil citadel in a ceremony after flying back to Erbil.
The three cyclists also used this opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of physical fitness and healthy living. They emphasized that just like the journey to Mecca, staying fit and healthy also requires determination and perseverance. Throughout the journey, they shared tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and encouraged people to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle.
They also highlighted the importance of preserving the environment and promoting sustainable travel. They rode on bicycles, which not only helped them to stay fit but also helped in reducing carbon footprint and promoting green travel. They also spread awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.
Map of this journey
The journey of these three cyclists was not just a personal accomplishment but also a social responsibility. They used this journey to spread awareness and inspire others to take on their own challenges, both physically and mentally. They have become an inspiration for many and their journey will be remembered for a long time.