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From Paris to Saudi: Pilgrim walks for over 8,000 km, 13 countries to perform Umrah

Mohamed Boulabiar
Mohamed Boulabiar

The Umrah pilgrimage begins in Paris and continues through thirteen countries, covering more than 8,000 kilometers.
Two years ago, the Frenchman began training for the trip by increasing his physical capacity and developing an appreciation for long-distance walking.

French pilgrim Mohamed Boulabiar walked more than 8,000 kilometers in eight months, beginning in Paris and passing through thirteen countries en route to Madinah, as part of his Umrah pilgrimage. After that, he'll head to Makkah to do the Umrah.

Just hours after Boulabiar finished his journey through a variety of terrains and weather conditions, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) met him in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque. His determination to walk to the sacred sites was unshaken by the perils he faced along the way.

"I did not encounter any problems on the road, but the biggest challenge was the weather," Boulabiar said of his journey, who was born in France to parents from Tunisia and Morocco. I rode through fall and winter, through thunder and storms, arriving in spring after leaving in the summer. A week was added to my travel time due to a snowstorm that occurred near the Greek border.



I walked in temperatures around 40°C, but fortunately, everything went smoothly," he added. I am elated to be in this place. Going to Madinah after Makkah has been my goal ever since I was a little girl. Yesterday, when I arrived here, tears welled up in my eyes. Meeting Saudis is an incredible experience. The Gulf is my first stop here. Here, I was welcomed with open arms. Along the way, many people stopped to give me water and food, and a few even extended invitations to stay with them. Being here and having finished the journey is an incredible blessing.


According to Boulabiar, who spoke about how and why the journey began, he started getting ready for it two years ago by getting in shape and developing a passion for long-distance walking. Before setting out on his journey, he gave careful consideration to the concept and route, made the decision to go, and prepared himself physically and psychologically. The adventure began on August 27, 2023, when the traveler set sail from Paris's Eiffel Tower.


I traveled over 8,000 kilometers and passed through 12 countries on my way to Saudi Arabia, the thirteenth stop on my journey," he said. I started my journey in France and ended it in Saudi Arabia after passing through Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and Jordan.

Boulabiar said that he walked the whole way, following the map, and carrying 25 kg of food, a sleeping bag, and other necessities. He said that every now and then he would spend the night in a mosque or with generous people who invited him into their homes.

"I have always harboured a desire to undertake this journey," Boulabiar emphasised in passing. From a young age, it has been an aspiration. I desired to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and his companions by walking to Makkah. Walking has a profoundly beneficial effect on his lifestyle, which he emphasized.

 

By: Sahiba Suri

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