A Journey of Faith on Two Wheels: Anas Al-Razki’s Emotional Ride to Hajj
Jafar Bhamji
5-28-2025
 Email
to a friend
 Post
a comment
 Print
For 26-year-old Belgian Muslim Anas Al-Razki, the road to Mecca was more than a path — it was a soul-stirring test of faith, endurance, and purpose. What began as a dream during the sacred month of Ramadan became a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey of body and spirit as he cycled thousands of kilometers across continents to reach the heart of Islam’s holiest city.
The First Pedal Stroke
Anas set out in March, fueled not only by determination but by a profound spiritual calling. From his home in Belgium, he began pedaling through 13 countries, including Germany, Austria, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, guided by little more than his faith, a bicycle, and a burning desire to complete Hajj, the pilgrimage every able Muslim must make once in their lifetime.
“I began this journey during Ramadan, the month of devotion and patience,” Anas shared. “Every pedal felt like a prayer.”
Roads of Struggle and Grace
The journey was anything but smooth. Rough terrain, treacherous mountain passes, and unpredictable weather challenged him nearly every day. There were moments of physical exhaustion and emotional isolation, especially in the remote stretches of countryside where he cycled alone.
But even in his solitude, Anas found strength. Strangers along the way — many of whom did not share his language or religion — offered meals, shelter, and encouraging words. Their kindness became a lifeline.
“It was the warm smiles, the sincere duas (prayers), and the hospitality of strangers that lifted me,” he said. “They reminded me I wasn’t alone — Allah was with me.”
Arrival in the Kingdom
After nearly three months on the road, Anas reached the Halat Ammar border crossing near Jordan and stepped into Saudi Arabia. It was a moment beyond words.
“When I crossed the border, I could barely speak. It felt surreal,” he said through tears. “I’ve imagined this moment for years, and now I was finally entering the land of the Prophet, peace be upon him.”
The gravity of what he had accomplished began to sink in as he approached Mecca. “I just wanted to see the Kaaba for the first time. I dreamed of standing before it in tears, overwhelmed and grateful.”
Unity in Pilgrimage
In Mecca, Anas joined the Ithraa Alkhair Hajj group, alongside pilgrims from Vancouver including Shahzad Mansoory, who met Anas with admiration and open arms. His story had already begun to circulate among fellow hujjaj, many of whom found his journey an inspiring reminder of the power of sincere intention and resilience.
“I didn’t do this to make headlines,” Anas said. “I did this for Allah, for my soul, and for the love of this deen (faith).”
A Dream Fulfilled, A Heart Transformed
With Hajj set to begin in early June, Anas now prepares for the final leg — the spiritual rites of the pilgrimage. But even before stepping into the sacred city, he knows his heart has already undergone transformation.
“This journey stripped me down to the essence of who I am. I faced my fears, felt pain and joy, and saw the best of humanity,” he said. “Now, to be here, on the doorstep of the Kaaba... it's like my soul has arrived home.”
His eyes, once fixed on a far-off destination, now gaze inward — humbled, fulfilled, and deeply connected to the faith that powered each turn of the wheel.
"Every time I thought I couldn't go on, I remembered why I started. And now that I'm here, all I can say is: Alhamdulillah."
You can follow his journey to Makkah on his instagram profile
https://www.instagram.com/a.zrk10?igsh=MWQ2Y2pnMTk4cnBqaQ==ies
|