Qamuran Hirda, Albanian, aged 57, accompanied by his friend Adem Ajiç, is embarking on a journey from Skopje to Mecca by bicycle.
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| Qamuran Hirda in Skopje with a cake in his hand and his bicycle by his side a few hours before leaving for Mecca |
He anticipates that the pilgrimage to Hajj will take approximately two months, covering a distance of around 4,000 kilometers by bicycle.
"I decided to undertake a sacred journey, which we as Muslims are obliged to fulfill. I wanted to fulfill this religious obligation in a unique way, through sports, by cycling," expressed Hirda.
Hirda explains that due to safety concerns, they will be compelled to fly over Syria.
"In Adana or Gaziantep, we will catch a plane. We will fly to Amman, Jordan, passing only over Syria. From there, we will continue our journey until we reach our final destination, Mecca," emphasizes Hirda.
Undertaking such a pilgrimage, especially by bicycle, is both physically and spiritually demanding. Hirda's decision to blend religious duty with the physical challenge of cycling speaks volumes about his dedication to his faith and his adventurous spirit. As they embark on this remarkable journey, they carry with them not only their belongings but also the hopes, prayers, and well-wishes of their community. Their determination to complete this journey symbolizes the resilience and strength of the human spirit in pursuit of a higher calling.