For most, cycling is just a hobby, a way to stay fit or explore new places. But for Aqil Misnan, a 30-year-old man from Banting, Selangor, it became a life-changing mission. Determined to perform Umrah in Mecca, Aqil embarked on an extraordinary cycling journey that spanned multiple countries and thousands of kilometers.

Aqil was deeply inspired by individuals who had previously undertaken similar journeys. He mentioned figures like @ariyami and @purnamarafli_dari from Indonesia, as well as @ahmad.bin.isa from Malaysia, who motivated him to take on this challenge. Their determination sparked his own ambition, pushing him to turn his dream into reality.

Understanding the physical and mental endurance required for such a demanding expedition, Aqil began training three months before his departure. His routine consisted of cycling 40 to 50 kilometers daily, with two rest days each week. This rigorous training was crucial in preparing him for the long road ahead.

Aqil's journey started in his hometown of Kanchong Darat, Banting, Selangor. From there, he pedaled to Kuala Perlis and crossed into Laos. His route took him through Boten, Laos, before heading into China's Kunming region, where he took a train to Xinjiang.

However, his plans faced an unexpected challenge when he arrived in Xinjiang. With temperatures plummeting to -13 degrees Celsius, cycling any further became a serious safety risk. Forced to rethink his strategy, Aqil took a flight to Dubai, skipping his intended route through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Aqil had saved up for his trip, but to fully finance his mission, he made a significant sacrifice selling his beloved Proton X50. He estimated the journey's expenses to be between RM20,000 and RM30,000, but he prepared RM50,000 to cover accommodations, meals, and any unforeseen emergencies.

His family initially struggled to accept his decision due to concerns about his safety. However, over time, they grew to support his mission. In addition, his friends and social media followers continuously encouraged him, offering their unwavering support as he updated them on his progress.

Throughout his journey, Aqil encountered moments that tested his endurance and courage. One of the most challenging experiences was cycling 20 kilometers in complete darkness in Thailand.

"I had already covered 138 kilometers that day, traveling from Thung Song to Surat Thani. The last stretch had no streetlights, and I was alone in the pitch-black. It was terrifying, but I kept going until I reached my hotel," he recalled.

But his journey wasn't just about hardships it was also filled with acts of kindness. Strangers offered him free meals, accommodation, and even financial assistance. Some even welcomed him as part of their families, particularly in Perlis and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leaving him with cherished memories of the people he met along the way.

Beyond fulfilling his own spiritual goal, Aqil hopes his journey will inspire others, especially young people who may have lost motivation or a sense of purpose. He shared that at one point in his life, he too struggled to find direction, and he wants his story to serve as a beacon of encouragement for those facing similar challenges.

Source: SAYS