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Abdallah Hernandez, Abdelkader Harkassi, and Tariq Rodriguez arrived at the Kaaba in Mecca in tears, completing a remarkable 8,000-kilometer (4,970 miles) journey on horseback that began seven months ago in southern Spain. Their goal: to revive the centuries-old tradition of Andalusian Muslims who once rode to perform the Hajj, and to fulfil their own religious duty in a way that echoed the devotion of the past.
The trio rode through 13 countries, including France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Türkiye, Syria, and Jordan. They arrived in the holy city of Mecca after more than 200 days on horseback.
Speaking in Mecca, Tariq Rodriguez said their aim was not only to fulfil their pilgrimage but to show the world that deep faith can overcome any obstacle.
“We wanted to follow the historic route that Muslims from Andalusia took 500 years ago. This journey proved that with trust in Allah, anything is possible,” he said.
Rodriguez recalled being moved by the warm welcome they received in Syria, where many local horsemen waited to greet them. Emphasizing the strength of unity among Muslims, he said: “This journey would have been impossible alone. We made it because we were united. I hope our trip sends a message to the ummah—stay united and work together.”
Visiting Mecca for the first time, Rodriguez was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing the Kaaba: “Words cannot describe the feeling. It was as if the Kaaba had always been far beyond reach, but now we were touching it.”
The horses remain in a riding center in Riyadh, as the group noted they will return to Europe by plane, due to international restrictions.
Abdallah Hernandez, a Spanish Muslim who dreamed of making this trip for 36 years, described the journey as one filled with “miracles.”
“Every challenge was a test from Allah. There were moments that could have ended our trip, but Allah helped us continue.”
Crossing the Alps and navigating borders between France and Italy were among the toughest parts. He described Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of the most beautiful places they passed through and noted many similarities between Türkiye and Spain.
“The first time I saw the Kaaba ... I had no words. Our journey is proof that Islam is peace, love, mutual help—and that nothing is impossible with Allah’s help.”
Abdelkader Harkassi explained that they trained for four years in Spain and Portugal to prepare for the long-distance horseback ride. He expressed deep gratitude for the help they received during their journey, particularly in Türkiye.
“We were well known in Türkiye. Police, soldiers, government officials, and believers—everyone supported us. Special thanks to Professor Ali Erbas, President of the Religious Affairs and Hajj Services Director Remzi Bircan.”
He also emphasized how the journey helped restore a lost tradition within Spain’s Muslim community and offered people a new perspective on Islam.
“We showed the world that Muslims can unite, especially for Hajj. Allah was generous throughout—we reached Mecca, we touched the Kaaba, and the impossible became possible.”
Reflecting on their mission, Harkassi concluded: “We shared everything we knew with people we met, and we learned even more from them. Muslims were so generous to us. Trust Allah—nothing is impossible for Him.”
He also thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and all the people in the countries they passed through for their support.
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