Carrying an umbrella and a backpack, Pakistani student Usman Arshad achieved his dream of reaching the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia by walking across four countries.
Pakistani Pilgrim Walks 4,000 Kilometers To Perform The Hajj
Pakistani student Usman Arshad rests next to a road sign near Quetta in this undated photo.
Arshad's six-month journey on foot to reach the holy city of Mecca took him across Pakistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia -- nearly 4,000 kilometers.
Relatives take pictures of Arshad as he sets off from his hometown of Okra, Pakistan.
The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. While most pilgrims travel by modern means, a smaller number choose to undertake the journey on foot.
Arshad poses for a photo after setting up his tent in the desert of Balochistan, Pakistan.
"Every Muslim man wishes to come to Mecca, to God's home and visit Prophet Muhammad's mosque once in their lifetime. And I had the same wish, but mine was to go to these two places on foot," he said.
Arshad walks along a road in Pakistan.
"I have always loved walking. I previously completed 1,270 kilometers on foot in Pakistan, which gave me full confidence in myself that I am able to complete this journey. Of course, there were some obstacles, such as bad weather, blisters on my feet due to walking."
Arshad takes a selfie near his tent in an abandoned home in Shiraz, Iran.
For pilgrims who walk to the hajj, the act is seen as a demonstration of their dedication, devotion, and sacrifice. It also serves as a reminder of the hardships and challenges faced by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions during their journeys.
After crossing over from the United Arab Emirates into Saudi Arabia, Arshad poses for a picture near his tent and the national flag of Pakistan.
"On several occasions, there were deserted roads, where there was no city or village, but what kept me going and my morale high were the people that I encountered on these routes, who encouraged me and pushed me to complete this journey smoothly," he said.
A smiling Arshad underneath a highway sign in Al-Batha, Saudi Arabia.
For pilgrims, the journey allows time for reflection that brings them closer to God and a sense of community, especially when people from many backgrounds join together.
After enduring rejected visas, bad weather, and difficult sleeping arrangements along the 4,000-kilometer, six-month journey, a smiling Arshad stands in the center of the Great Mosque of Mecca, with the Kaaba standing behind him.