Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is considered the holiest city for Muslims. Muslims have to carry out this mandatory religious duty at least once in their lifetime. Keeping up with this religious belief, Shihab Chottur, an Indian national from Kerala is performing this religious pilgrimage on foot. Yes, he is walking all the way from his home state in India to Saudi Arabia and has now entered Pakistan. Here’s everything you need to know about his inspiring marathon journey on foot.
Shihab Chottur Is Walking From Kerala, India To Saudi Arabia To Perform Hajj
From Kerala, India To Saudi Arabia On Foot
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Shihab Chottur also known as Shihab Bhai, is a 29-year-old man who has now arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah Border. He began his journey to Mecca to perform Haj on foot from his home state, Kerala. He has gained tremendous attraction on his social media account, where he is documenting his journey to Saudi Arabia. While he is ecstatic to be granted a visa to continue his journey to Mecca, it has not been without challenges.
Also Read: Hajj Tourism In Saudi Arabia Is All Set To Become US$350 Billion Market By 2032
Overcoming Boundaries
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Before he was granted permission to enter Pakistan, he was denied entry by a Pakistani court. However, hope came for him in the form of Sarwar Taj, a Lahore resident who filed a writ petition to the Supreme Court on behalf of Shihab Bhai. First, he filed a petition at the Lahore High Court, requesting a transit visa for Shihab, which was yet dismissed. But he later challenged this decision in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About Diriyah, Old Capital Of Saudi
Traversing 3000 Kilometres
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So far Shihab had already travelled 3000 kilometres when he was stopped by the immigration authorities at the border. After awaiting permission with bated breath, he was allowed to enter Pakistan on Tuesday via the Wagah Border. He was warmly welcomed by Sarwar Taj and Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi, the chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan.
If you want to keep up with this inspiring journey of Shihab Bhai, don’t forget to follow him on Instagram and keep watching this space as we will be updating you on Shihab Bhai’s journey.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/shihabchottur_official