Horse riders from Spain en route to Mecca stopped in Sarajevo: Reviving the route Spanish Muslims took for Hajj

(Patria) - A group of Spanish Muslims started a journey on horseback from Andalusia to Mecca three months ago, to perform Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

In an effort to revive the route and the experience of Andalusian Muslims who traveled overland for Hajj more than five centuries ago, the group of future pilgrims has also reached Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on their unusual journey.

Upon arrival in Sarajevo, the expedition members visited Baščaršija and other landmarks, symbolically stopping in front of the Hadžijska džamija (Vekil Harčova džamija), the former departure point for Sarajevo pilgrims, reviving the tradition of Bosnian Muslims, reports Anadolu Agency.

The organizer of the unusual journey, Abdelkader Harkasi Aidi, said they started their journey three months ago and have crossed a large part of Europe. Expressing their satisfaction with their stay in BiH, the expedition members conveyed their deep gratitude to the Bosnian people for their hospitality and support.

“This is the culmination of our journey, thank God. We are grateful to the Bosnian people. They have been helping us all the way since we entered BiH,” said Harkasi Aidi.

He stated that they have not yet received permission to enter Serbia, due to “the fall of the government in that country seven days ago”.

When asked by journalists for his message from Sarajevo, Harkasi Aidi said:

“Through this journey, we have learned that Allah makes everything possible. If you trust in Allah and embark on your project, you will achieve it. Alhamdulillah.”

After prayers at the Hadžijska džamija, the three future pilgrims continued their journey to Mecca on horseback.