58-year-old Omani walks 3,000km to perform umrah
In a quest to trace the legacy of his ancestors, Bakhit Salim Mohammed al Amri, a 58-year-old resident of Sadah in Dhofar, walked to Mecca and Medina from Salalah covering over 3,000km in three months. He arrived in Medina on April 4 after walking 500km from Mecca.
Amri embarked on this adventurous trip to perform umrah in Mecca and visit the tomb of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in
Medina following in the footsteps of his forefathers.
Setting off from Sultan Qaboos Cultural Complex in Salalah on January 1, Amri’s pilgrimage aimed to recreate the arduous trek his ancestors undertook to perform hajj and umrah. After months of walking, facing adverse weather conditions and physical pain, he reached Mecca on March 18. He performed umrah and continued his journey to Medina.
On March 28, Amri started the 500km walk to Medina, fol
Bakhit Salim Mohammed al Amri (L) lowing the route of the Prophet and his companions' travel. His journey sheds light on the hardships faced by his ancestors during their pilgrimage.
Amri's expedition is a test of physical endurance and spiritual quest to experience the challenges endured by pilgrims of the past.
He aimed to promote walking as a beneficial exercise and to immerse himself in the local cultures and traditions of the regions he traversed.
Talking about the challenges he faced, he said, “I encountered various difficulties, including a communications outage in Yemen, and extreme weather conditions ranging from scorching heat to freezing cold in certain areas. However, my patience and determination helped me overcome these obstacles.”
Remaining in Saudi Arabia for his next venture, Amri plans to return to Mecca to perform hajj, this time riding a camel. After his pilgrimage, he plans a trek across the Gulf Cooperation Council states, starting from Saudi Arabia and passing through the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain before concluding in Muscat, Oman.
Amri aims to raise awareness of environmental conservation, clean energy and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in the GCC region in his upcoming expedition.
His endeavours serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and the desire to preserve cultural heritage while advocating for a sustainable future.