Manama, 19 Dzulqa’dah 1437/22 August 2016 (MINA) – A Chinese Muslim who biked his way into Saudi Arabia to perform Haj has been richly praised for his feat.
The rider reportedly left his home in Xinjiang, in northwest China, and cycled around 8,150km before arriving in the western Saudi city of Taif, where he was accorded a special welcome by the local cycling club.
Following a brief stay in the city, the Chinese rider, Mohammad, was accompanied by members of the Taif cycling club to Makkah, Saudi news site Sabq reported.
“We were the first cycling club in Saudi Arabia to welcome the Chinese rider and we look forward to other clubs reaching out to him and introducing him to their cities,” Nayef Al Rawas, the head of the Taif club said.
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Despite formidable challenges, the idea of riding into Saudi Arabia for Haj or Umrah had often been taken up by Muslims, mainly from Asia.
In May 2014, a group of Malaysians rode their bicycles from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah.
A total of 14,500 Chinese Muslims would perform Haj this year, China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) said on Saturday. (T/R07/R01)
Mi’raj Ilamic News Agency (MINA)
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