Three Spanish Muslims—Abdelkader Harkassi, Abdallah Hernández, and Tarek Rodríguez—have embarked on an extraordinary journey, retracing an ancient Andalusian route to Makkah on horseback. This path, long forgotten, was revived through a bond formed during an academic project in London, where Hernández, a convert to Islam, expressed his promise to perform Hajj on horseback. After four years of rigorous preparation, the trio set out from Almonaster Mosque in Spain, facing numerous challenges, including harsh weather, bureaucratic hurdles, and even a harrowing incident in Bosnia where their horses went missing in a minefield.
Their journey has not only tested their physical endurance but also fostered connections with diverse communities along the way. Despite encountering individuals with misconceptions about Islam, the riders found that their commitment to faith rather than fame transformed perceptions. The team, which includes a support driver and a social media influencer documenting their story, emphasizes the importance of their shared experiences and the lessons learned throughout the expedition.
As they approach Makkah, the culmination of their eight-month journey, Harkassi reflects on the essence of Hajj being found in the trials and connections made along the way. The journey has reshaped their understanding of faith, reinforcing the belief that with determination and reliance on Allah, anything is possible. The sight of the Kaaba will symbolize not just the end of their physical journey but the fulfillment of a deeply personal promise.
