The Journey Of A Lifetime - The Hajj, Then & Now
In the name of the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
June 2025 – Dhul Hijja 1446
This article is part of a series entitled “The journey of a lifetime, The Hajj, now and then”, written by Samaa Elibyari since 2021. This year, she presents the journey undertaken by three Spaniards enacting the pilgrimage of 500 years ago, from Spain to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina
The three friends set off for the Hajj pilgrimage on horseback six months ago [Picture taken by @hadzicjusufovic via @hajjonhorseback Instagram]
The Hajj
Among the five pillars of Islam is the obligation of Hajj, enjoined on every physically and materially able Muslim man and woman, once in a lifetime.
“Announce to the people the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every deep and distant highway that they may witness the benefits for them and celebrate (praise) the name of Allah (God) in the well-known days over the sacrificial animals He has provided for them. Eat thereof and feed the poor in want. Then let them complete their rituals and perform their vows and circumbulate the Ancient House”. Quran, Surat 22: Ayat 27-29
The pilgrimage was in fact a pre-Islamic custom of long standing, with its own rituals and customs. In Dhu al-Hijja (March) 632 C.E., the year of his death, Prophet Mohammad -Peace be upon Him - went on what was to be his first and final Hajj as a Muslim. The details of this pilgrimage, later lovingly recalled, served as the foundation of all future performances of this ritual. About two million persons perform the hajj each year.
From Spain To Saudi Arabia On Horseback
Air travel has now converted what was once a lengthy land or sea voyage into a matter of hours, but this year, three friends set out on a Hajj journey on horseback, going from Spain to Saudi Arabia, taking the same route used back by Andalusian Muslims, in hopes of replicating their spiritual journey.
The ambitious expedition was conceived when Dr Abdallah Hernández was studying to become a geography and history teacher thirty years ago. After he converted to Islam, he promised himself he would one day, perform Hajj in the same way his Spanish ancestors once did. In particular, the Muslim pilgrimage from the early 8th century touched his heart.
Logistics
Traveling by horse in a modern setting is a very challenging task. Therefore, a dedicated logistic crew, including a veterinary, a medical professional, a cook and a fixer, was recruited to accompany and assist the riders and their horses on their way to Hajj. A large overland vehicle, horse transportation and a light all-terrain vehicle followed the riders closely.
The Horses
Eight Pure Arabian mares have been carefully selected for their physical attributes, including strength, agility, and speed, and have undergone rigorous training to prepare for the trip. The horses were also fed a carefully balanced diet to ensure they have the energy and nutrients they need to perform at their best.
The Voyage
The men went through the South of Europe until reaching Turkey and then downwards across the Middle East to finally arrive at Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims shared that many people who encountered them confessed they did not have good impressions of Muslims, given what they saw on television, but they were grateful that the Spanish horsemen showed them another image: that of Spaniards, Europeans being Muslims, dedicated to this spiritual journey.
Even if they have been mentioned by international outlets worldwide, Dr. Abdallah Hernández wished to inspire Spaniards to better know their history and heritage, and feel proud of it too.
First Muslims in Spain
The traditional story is that in the year 711, an oppressed Christian chief, Julian, went to Musa ibn Nusair, the governor of North Africa, with a plea for help against the tyrannical Visigoth ruler of Spain, Roderick.
Musa responded by sending the young general Tariq bin Ziyad with an army of 7000 troops. The name Gibraltar is derived from Jabal At-Tariq which is Arabic for 'Rock of Tariq' named after the place where the Muslim army landed.
They defeated the Visigoth army easily, Roderick was killed in battle and by 720 Spain was largely under Muslim (or Moorish, as it was called) control.
One reason for the rapid Muslim success was the generous surrender terms that they offered the people, which contrasted with the harsh conditions imposed by the previous Visigoth rulers.
Muslim Rule in Spain
The heartland of Muslim rule was Southern Spain or Andalusia, a named derived from Al-Andalus as the new rulers called it. The establishment of the Andalusian Umayyad dynasty, which lasted from 756 to 1031 conferred stability and prosperity to the country.
In the 10th century, Cordoba, the capital of Umayyad Spain, was unrivalled in both East and the West for its wealth and civilisation. Muslim scholars served as a major link in bringing Greek philosophy, of which they had previously been the main custodians, to Western Europe.
The Muslim period in Spain is often described as a 'golden age' of learning where libraries, colleges, public baths were established and literature, poetry and architecture flourished. Both Muslims and non-Muslims made major contributions to this flowering of culture.
Inspiration
It took years of preparation and overcoming countless obstacles before the Spanish pilgrims accomplished this epic voyage on horseback. On their way they garnered international coverage and festive welcome, specially as they entered Bosnia and Herzegovina and started their route through Muslim-majority countries. They have reached Mekka safely and await to undertake the rituals.
For pilgrims, performing Hajj fulfills a religious obligation, but it’s also a deeply spiritual experience of a lifetime for many. It’s seen as a chance to seek Allah’s forgiveness for past sins, to grow closer to Allah and to walk in the footsteps of prophets, Ibrahim and Mohamed, Peace be upon them, as well as Ibrahim’s wife Hajar.
The dearest wish as stated by these Spaniards is that their achievement will encourage other Muslims to take on similar journeys, not necessarily on horseback, but through different countries to revive that of unity in faith that once nourished civilisations across the Muslim world.
With sincere wishes to them, Hajj Mabrour and to my sisters at CCMW, my very best wishes for a blessed Eid, Eid Mubarak.
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