Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — "Where there is a will, there is a way." This is what enabled a Pakistani pilgrim who lost one of his feet in a road accident to realize his 30-year-long dream of traveling to Makkah to perform the annual Hajj.

“The loss of my foot gave me enthusiasm, optimism, and determination to strive for undertaking the lifetime spiritual journey. I will perform the stoning ritual at the Jamarat myself during the days of Al-Tashreeq, leaning on my crutches,” says Muhammad Shafeeq. Despite the amputation of his left foot, he came on one foot from Pakistan to Makkah, answering the call of God Almighty.

Determination, persistence, and boldness to convert challenges into opportunities helped the 43-year-old go to the House of God on his crutches to perform the rituals with peace of mind and self-realization.

Shafeeq was involved in a run-over bus accident that resulted in amputating one of his feet 30 years ago at the age of 13, but it did not stop his dream of setting out on the spiritual journey.

Speaking to Al-Arabiya.net, Shafeeq said that he managed to save enough money through hard work for several years to fulfill the long cherished dream of undertaking the arduous journey. “No words to express my joy and delight when God Almighty enabled me to see my dream comes true. Now I am counting the minutes and hours, waiting impatiently for the Day of Tarwiyah and the ritual of Standing at Arafat, the most important pillar of Hajj, joining the procession of fellow pilgrims in seamless white clothes — resembling a white sea of humanity,” he added.