A Kerala man undertook an epic journey, walking a staggering 8600 kilometers from Kerala to the holy city of Mecca in order to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. His journey, a testament to his remarkable devotion, spanned over 370 days.
The Unprecedented Journey
Shihab Chotoor, hailing from Valanchery in the Malappuram district of Kerala, commenced his extraordinary pilgrimage on June 2, 2022. Traversing through India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Kuwait, he finally crossed the border into Saudi Arabia in May 2023.
An Extended Stay in Madinah
Upon entering Saudi Arabia, Shihab first visited the Islamic pilgrimage site of Medina, where he stayed for 21 days. He covered the 440-kilometer stretch between Madinah and Mecca in nine days. Shihab plans to perform Hajj after his mother Zainaba arrives in the city from Kerala.
A YouTuber’s Chronicles
Shihab, also a YouTuber, regularly documented his incredible journey on his YouTube channel. From his moments of joy to trials and tribulations, he shared the intricate details of his walk from Kerala to Mecca. After starting his Hajj pilgrimage in June last year, Shihab journeyed through several Indian states before reaching the Wagah border, intending to cross into Pakistan.
Entry into Pakistan
Entering Pakistan proved to be a significant challenge for Shihab due to the absence of a visa. He spent several months waiting at a school in Wagah for a transit visa. Eventually, in February 2023, he succeeded in obtaining a transit visa, allowing him to resume his journey to Saudi Arabia. Four months later, after enduring numerous hardships and setbacks, Shihab Chotoor finally reached his destination, ready to fulfill his long-awaited Hajj pilgrimage.
