Hajj on Horseback: 8,000km Spiritual Journey from Spain to Mecca Revives Lost Andalusian Muslim Tradition

In an era dominated by high-speed travel and digital conveniences, a group of four Muslim pilgrims—three Spanish nationals and one Moroccan citizen—embarked on an extraordinary journey that harkened back to a bygone era. Their mission: to travel over 8,000 kilometers from southern Spain to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on horseback to perform the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This epic expedition, dubbed “Hajj on Horseback,” was not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual and cultural endeavor to revive a 500-year-old Andalusian Muslim tradition. After more than six months of traversing diverse landscapes, enduring logistical challenges, and forging bonds with communities along the way, their dream was fulfilled upon reaching Saudi Arabia in May 2025. This article chronicles their remarkable journey, exploring its historical significance, challenges, and the enduring legacy it leaves behind.

The Genesis of a Dream

The seeds of this extraordinary pilgrimage were sown over three decades ago when Dr. Abdallah Hernandez Mancha, a Spanish convert to Islam, made a heartfelt promise to Allah in 1990. Inspired by his newfound faith, he vowed to undertake the Hajj on horseback, retracing the ancient routes once traveled by Andalusian Muslims before their expulsion from Spain during the Christian Reconquista over 400 years ago. His vision was to revive a lost tradition and honor the cultural and spiritual heritage of Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled region of the Iberian Peninsula that thrived from the 8th to the 15th centuries.

Joined by his close friends Abdelkader Harkassi, Tariq Rodriguez, and Bouchaib Jadil (a Moroccan citizen providing logistical support), Dr. Hernandez transformed his personal vow into a collective mission. The group, driven by a shared passion for faith, heritage, and horsemanship, spent three years preparing for the grueling expedition. Their training included long-distance rides across Spain, Portugal, and Andalusia, covering hundreds of kilometers to build endurance for both riders and horses. These preparatory journeys tested their equipment, honed their navigational skills, and strengthened their bond with their specially selected Asil Pure Arabian endurance mares, bred for their stamina and resilience by La Cañada del Robledo stud farm in Cadiz, Spain.

The Historical and Cultural Significance

The “Hajj on Horseback” project was more than a personal pilgrimage; it was a deliberate effort to reconnect with the historical legacy of Andalusian Muslims. For centuries, Muslims in Al-Andalus undertook arduous overland journeys to Mecca, often on foot or with pack animals, as part of their religious duty. These pilgrimages were not only acts of devotion but also cultural exchanges that linked the Iberian Peninsula with the broader Islamic world. However, following the fall of Granada in 1492 and the subsequent expulsion of Muslims from Spain, this tradition was largely lost.

By retracing this ancient route, the pilgrims sought to revive a piece of Andalusian Muslim heritage and demonstrate the enduring relevance of their ancestors’ traditions. Their journey symbolized a bridge between past and present, connecting modern European Muslims with their historical roots. As Abdelkader Harkassi noted, the expedition was about more than reaching Mecca; it was a “life-changing experience” that embodied the spirit of Hajj as a transformative journey of faith and unity.

The Route: A Journey Across Continents

The pilgrimage began in October 2024 from Almonaster la Real in southern Spain, a region steeped in Andalusian history. Over the next eight months, the group traversed more than 8,000 kilometers through 12 countries, including France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Türkiye, Syria, Jordan, and finally Saudi Arabia. This route was carefully planned to follow historical pilgrimage paths as closely as possible, while accommodating modern logistical needs and border regulations.

Key milestones along the way included:

• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (February 2025): After three months on the road, the pilgrims reached Sarajevo, where they were warmly welcomed by locals and tourists in the historic Baščaršija district. They visited the Hajji Mosque, a traditional stop for Bosniak pilgrims, and described their arrival as a “highlight” of the journey.
• Istanbul, Türkiye (February 2025): Hosted by Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, the group shared their experiences with students and supporters, expressing their desire to spend Ramadan in the city and visit iconic sites like the Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
• Damascus, Syria (April 2025): The pilgrims were received by the Governor of Damascus, Maher Marwan, marking another significant moment in their journey through a region with deep Islamic historical ties.
• Al Hadithah Border Crossing, Saudi Arabia (May 2025): The group’s arrival at the northern Al Qurayyat region was met with a heartfelt welcome from Saudi officials and volunteers. Mamdouh Al Mutairi, director of the Al Hadithah center, praised their journey as a “powerful symbol of faith and commitment.”

The route was not without its challenges. The pilgrims faced extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to freezing mountain nights, and navigated diverse terrains ranging from European plains to Middle Eastern deserts. Logistical hurdles, particularly at border crossings, posed significant obstacles. For instance, they were denied entry into Serbia due to a governmental collapse, forcing them to reroute through other Balkan countries. Despite these setbacks, the group acquired new horses as needed and relied on a robust logistical team, including a veterinarian, medical professional, cook, and fixer, to ensure the well-being of both riders and horses.

Challenges and Triumphs

The physical and emotional demands of the journey were immense. Traveling on horseback for over six months required exceptional endurance, discipline, and adaptability. The pilgrims camped in the wild, cared for their horses’ well-being, and managed the complexities of crossing international borders with live animals. The Arabian endurance mares, while exceptionally suited for long-distance travel, required frequent veterinary checks, hoof maintenance, and proper nutrition, adding to the logistical complexity.

Yet, the journey was also filled with moments of joy and camaraderie. The pilgrims were frequently welcomed by Muslim communities along the way, who offered hospitality, food, and encouragement. In Sarajevo, Abdelkader Harkassi expressed gratitude for the Bosnian people’s warmth, while in Istanbul, the group found inspiration in the city’s rich Islamic heritage. These interactions underscored the universal spirit of Muslim brotherhood, a core theme of the Hajj.

Social media played a crucial role in documenting the journey and sharing it with a global audience. The “Hajj on Horseback” Instagram page provided regular updates, showcasing the riders’ experiences, from camping under the stars to crossing historic landmarks. These posts not only garnered widespread support but also inspired countless followers, with videos of their arrival in Saudi Arabia going viral online.

The Spiritual Culmination

Upon reaching the Al Hadithah border crossing in May 2025, the pilgrims were overcome with emotion as they received their Hajj visas, marking the realization of a 35-year dream. Dusty and fatigued from weeks on the road, they were greeted with applause, medical checkups, refreshments, and guidance from Saudi authorities, who ensured a smooth transition under the national Hajj readiness plan.

The group entered Mecca without their horses, as is customary for the final stages of the pilgrimage, to perform the sacred rituals of Hajj. These include circumambulating the Kaaba, standing in supplication at the Plain of Arafat, and stoning the pillars at Jamaraat, all of which are rooted in the practices of Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Abraham. For the pilgrims, these rituals were the spiritual apex of their journey, fulfilling not only a religious obligation but also a deeply personal and collective aspiration.

Legacy and Impact

The “Hajj on Horseback” journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and cultural revival. By completing this arduous pilgrimage, the group not only honored their Andalusian heritage but also inspired Muslims worldwide to reconnect with their historical and spiritual roots. Their story resonated across cultures, earning coverage from global media outlets such as Anadolu Agency, Gulf News, and The Express Tribune, as well as widespread attention on social media platforms like X.

The project also highlighted the importance of community support. The pilgrims relied on donations and sponsorships managed by their legally registered non-profit organization in Spain to cover the significant costs of the expedition, including horse care, travel logistics, and rider sustenance. Their transparency in documenting the journey ensured that supporters felt connected to every step, from the rugged trails of Europe to the sacred precincts of Mecca.

For Abdelkader Harkassi, a passionate horseman and imam, the journey was an opportunity to integrate his love for horses into his faith and community work. He expressed a desire to incorporate horsemanship into the traditional madrassa curriculum at Shifa Mosque in London, emphasizing horses as part of the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) and a means to teach stewardship and connection to nature.

Conclusion

The “Hajj on Horseback” journey from Spain to Saudi Arabia is a modern-day odyssey that blends faith, heritage, and adventure. Dr. Abdallah Hernandez, Abdelkader Harkassi, Tariq Rodriguez, and Bouchaib Jadil’s epic pilgrimage serves as a powerful reminder that the path to spiritual fulfillment is often as significant as the destination itself. Their story, rooted in a promise made over three decades ago, transcends borders and generations, offering a timeless message of devotion, resilience, and unity. As they stood in the sacred city of Mecca, their dream fulfilled, they not only completed the fifth pillar of Islam but also etched their names into the annals of Islamic history, reviving a tradition that will inspire countless others to follow in their hoofprints.

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