While most Muslims travel by plane, vehicle, or ship from all over the world to Makkah to perform the annual Haj pilgrimage, a 29-year-old man from Indian state of Kerala has begun walking the 8,640 kilometres to Makkah to complete the Haj in 2023.
Shihab Chottur began his remarkable journey on June 2 from Athavanad, close to Kottakkal, in the Malappuram district of Kerala, where he runs a supermarket. He travels at least 25 miles on foot each day.
After travelling through India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Kuwait, he will finally arrive in Saudi Arabia somewhere in early February 2023, just in time for Haj.
He plans to travel the entire journey in 280 days and will apply an application for the Haj after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Shihab, who grew up hearing stories about individuals making the long journey on foot from Kerala to the holy city of Makkah in ancient times, made it his life’s ambition to walk all the way to Makkah.
According to numerous media reports, Shihab’s mother’s encouragement and support motivated him to go on the journey. The rest of his family, including his wife, was also very encouraging.
Three of Shihab’s friends are currently travelling with him from Kerala to Makkah. He is being followed in the present expansion by a six-person Karnataka team to make their journey easier.
According to reports, the planning and study for the trip took about nine months, and the hardest part was getting the visa paperwork completed for their on-foot trip.
According to Shihab, who was quoted by The New Indian Express, “I am eager to perform the series of rites as part of Haj. Performing Haj sincerely, solely for the sake of Allah, will turn a person as pure as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him. I hope to come back from Mecca as a pure soul.
Shihab has received a resounding welcome as he travels across states where many people are lining the streets to welcome him and get a sight of him.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
