Three Spanish Muslims—Abdelkader Harkassi Aidi, Tarek Rodriguez, and Abdallah Rafael Hernandez Mancha—completed an extraordinary 8,000-kilometer journey on horseback to Makkah for Hajj 2025. Their trek, which retraced a centuries-old route taken by Andalusian pilgrims, began in October 2024 and spanned 240 days across 13 countries. Inspired by a vow made over three decades ago, Hernandez Mancha fulfilled his promise to ride to Hajj, marking a significant achievement for the Spanish Muslim community.
The trio trained extensively with Arabian horses, covering an average of 40 kilometers daily through diverse terrains, from snowy Balkans to Middle Eastern deserts. Their journey was filled with both challenges and warm hospitality, including celebrations in Muslim-majority Bosnia and support from a Saudi influencer. Despite the hardships, they found kindness and camaraderie along the way, especially during their time in Syria, where they encountered both destruction and welcoming communities.
Upon reaching Saudi Arabia, the men were treated with exceptional hospitality, including accommodations in a five-star hotel, although they had to leave their horses behind. Reflecting on their journey, Harkassi Aidi emphasized the spiritual significance of their pilgrimage, stating that it was made possible through faith and clear intentions. The horses, integral to their journey, remain a poignant reminder of their adventure, with plans to preserve their bloodlines underway.
