A group of Spanish Muslims has embarked on an extraordinary 8,000-kilometer journey to Makkah on horseback, reviving a pilgrimage route last used by Andalusian Muslims over 500 years ago.

After three months of travel, they have now reached Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), marking a key milestone in their spiritual expedition, Sarajevo Times reported.

Their journey began in Andalusia, Spain, with the intention of performing Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

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Inspired by historical travelers, the pilgrims aim to retrace the footsteps of their ancestors, who once undertook the pilgrimage overland.

Sarajevo, a city with its own deep-rooted Hajj traditions, provided a meaningful stop on their path.

Upon arriving in the city, the group visited Baščaršija and other landmarks, paying special homage to the Hadzijska Mosque (Vekil-Harrach Mosque).

This mosque historically served as the departure point for Bosnian Hajj pilgrims, and their visit symbolised a revival of this old tradition.

Warm Welcome

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The expedition’s organiser, Abdelkader Harkassi Aidi, shared that they had already crossed much of Europe. Reflecting on their experience in BiH, he expressed appreciation for the warm welcome they received.

“This is the highlight of our journey, thank God. We are grateful to the BiH people. They have helped us all along the way since we entered BiH,” said Harkassi Aidi.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding their pilgrimage, the travelers have faced logistical challenges. Harkassi Aidi revealed that they had not yet been granted permission to enter Serbia due to a recent governmental collapse.

When asked about the spiritual significance of their journey, he shared an uplifting message:

“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 offering prayers at the Hadzijska Mosque, the Spanish pilgrims resumed their long trek to Mecca, continuing their faith-driven mission on horseback.