In a rare and remarkable feat of faith and endurance, five British Muslims have set sail on an extraordinary 7,400-kilometre journey from the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Departing London on April 1st, the group, none of whom had any prior sailing experience, has chosen to revive a centuries-old tradition of seafaring pilgrimage, navigating across Europe, North Africa, and the Red Sea with nothing but the wind, their vessel, and unwavering spiritual determination.
The group of five, Abdul Wahid, 38; Tauseef Ahmed; Jody McIntyre; Dobbir Uddin; and Taher Akhtar, aged between 27 and 47, set out aboard a 1978 Westerly 33 Ketch yacht. Their odyssey, born out of a shared dream, has gradually evolved into not only a personal spiritual undertaking but also a global charitable campaign. Over the last eight weeks, they have documented their journey with humility and inspiration, sharing glimpses of their trials and triumphs while raising over £200,000 for orphans and vulnerable children across Palestine, Lebanon, Pakistan, Uganda, and among displaced Syrian communities.
Despite their inexperience, the five-man crew has braved the formidable waters of the English Channel, passed through the scenic coasts of Marseille, Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily, and navigated their way through the iconic Suez Canal into the Red Sea. Each segment of the voyage has been marked by both moments of intense difficulty and profound spiritual reflection.
At one point in France, the group encountered a blocked 24-kilometre canal that forced them to crane their entire vessel onto a truck, an unplanned yet necessary detour that tested their resolve. On another occasion, they awoke to discover that their yacht had begun taking on water, and they narrowly avoided disaster through quick action and a deep sense of unity. These challenges, however, have only solidified their purpose and deepened their collective faith.
As they continue their passage toward the Saudi port city of Jeddah, support has poured in from regional maritime authorities and organisations, including the Red Sea Authority, BWA Yachting Club in Saudi Arabia, and the JYC facilities that are helping to ensure a safe arrival for the final leg of their trip. With just days remaining, the group is expected to arrive in the Kingdom in time for this year’s Hajj rites, which are anticipated to begin around June 4.
For Muslims across the world, the Hajj represents a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual obligation, and this group’s story has struck a powerful chord globally, including in Nigeria, where many faithful have hailed their courage and devotion. Their journey stands as a living testimony to the enduring spirit of Islam and the belief that even the most daunting paths can be navigated with sincerity, sacrifice, and divine guidance.
