The Hijra Ride: 450km, One Night, One Intention

The Hijra Ride: 450km, One Night, One Intention

Back in March 2025, Brother Shareeq came to us with an idea.

Not a small one.

Not an easy one.

He wanted to cycle from Makkah to Madinah - a distance of 450 kilometres - and he wanted to do it in under 24 hours.

We paused. Then we asked him to repeat it.

450km.

On a bike.

Through heat, darkness, exhaustion.

With the intention of raising funds for water projects around the world.

We were amazed - and honestly, a little in disbelief. But Shareeq was serious. He wasn’t chasing a record or a headline. He had an intention rooted in meaning, in sacrifice, and in service.

And on 29th December, he made it happen.

Breaking Down the Challenge

To put it into perspective:

• 450km is the equivalent of cycling from London to Manchester… and then back again

• It’s over 18 hours of continuous riding - with no real rest

• It means cycling through the night, when your body wants to stop

• It means pushing on when your legs burn and your mind tells you to quit

This wasn’t a scenic daytime ride. It was a test of endurance, discipline, and resolve.

The Road Wasn’t Easy

Shareeq set off with the road stretching endlessly ahead of him. As the sun went down, the ride became quieter - just the sound of the wheels, the wind, and his own breath.

Then came the setbacks.

Two tyre punctures.

Intense heat.

Fatigue creeping in during the darkest hours of the night.

Most people would stop. Some would call it off. But Shareeq didn’t.

He fixed the bike.

He got back on.

He kept riding.

Every mile forward was powered by intention - by the knowledge that this struggle was tied to something far bigger than himself.

23 Hours and 42 Minutes

After riding through the night and into the next day, Shareeq crossed the finish with just 18 minutes to spare.

450km completed in 23 hours and 42 minutes.

No shortcuts. No easing up. Just pure determination.

A journey that mirrors the Hijra itself - leaving comfort behind, pushing through hardship, and trusting that the destination is worth every step.

Why He Rode

This wasn’t just a physical challenge.

Through the Hijra Ride, Shareeq raised funds for life-changing water projects around the world - including:

• Water wells

• Hand pumps

• Water tanks

• Wudhu areas for masjids and communities

Projects that mean children don’t have to walk for hours for water.

That families don’t drink from unsafe sources.

That people can make wudhu with dignity.

While Shareeq battled exhaustion on the road, his efforts were helping bring relief to people who struggle every single day just to access clean water.

One Ride. Global Impact.

What started as an idea in March turned into an unforgettable journey by December - one that carried intention, sacrifice, and benefit far beyond the road between Makkah and Madinah.

We’re incredibly proud to have supported Brother Shareeq on this journey. His ride is a reminder that when intention is sincere, even the toughest paths become possible.

May Allah accept his effort, reward everyone who supported the Hijra Ride, and place barakah in every drop of water this journey helps provide.