KUBANG PASU: After two years of training, a father of six on Sunday embarked on a mission to cycle solo to Mecca to perform his haj pilgrimage.
Suliman Abd Lah, 47, from Padang Serai, Kulim, will traverse through eight countries and travel around 10,000 kilometres from Changlung, before arriving in Mecca. on July 16.
With a bag of equipment, food and an Al-Quran, he will use mosques as his resting places and plans to recite the Quran throughout his journey.
“I first planned this seven years ago. And now, after two years of training with the help of professionals, I am finally on my way.
“I’ve named this trip ‘Kembara Menuju Lambaian Kaabah 2018’ (Cycling Towards the Kaabah),” he said.
Suliman said he spent a month studying the possible routes. He was also advised by religious teachers against cycling on Fridays.
“My family and friends have been extremely supportive of my mission. I have also received various sponsorships, including from my employer (PLUS Malaysia Berhad), Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and my friends in Harian Metro,” he said.
Suliman began his journey at 8.30am Sunday from a hotel in Changlun. He was escorted by his family and friends all the way to the Bukit Kayu Hitam Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex.
He then resumed his trip to his next stop, the Al-Bushra mosque in Phattalong, Thailand, which is 115km away.
He said the expedition will challenge him both physically and mentally as he will have to brave the varying weathers of Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Iran, the UAE and finally, Saudi Arabia.
“I am prepared to face this as this is how I wish to fulfil my obligation to the fifth pillar of Islam. I chose to cycle there as I want to experience the beauty of the religion and Allah’s creations along the journey,” he said.
Suliman plans to chronicle his exploits through his Facebook page, Man Gerek Abdullah and Kemlak every three days.
“I hope the people of Malaysia will say a prayer for me and wish me well on this trip,” said Suliman, who has been an avid cyclist for almost 30 years.
Suliman said that upon his return, he plans to provide motivational sessions to students and share his experiences with them.