P. Tanabalan, 37, a meter reader at Tenaga Nasional (BHD), performed an extraordinary feat by riding a bike 14,769 kilometers to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. Tanabalan embarked on this life-altering journey with eighteen friends as part of the Jelajah Silaturahim motorcycling tour, a spiritual pilgrimage.
He conveyed his appreciation to his Muslim friends and brothers for their financial assistance. Tanabalan said that reaching Madinah safely was his main goal, which he achieved. He added that he had ridden motorcycles for ten years and had traveled to many different places, including Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and other Southeast Asian states.
Despite choosing to end the trip in Madinah rather than travel to Mecca, he was happy to be a part of it even though it is one of the hardest and longest roads. Tanabalan is devoted to upholding religious norms and traditions, so much so that he refrains from going to places where non-Muslims are not allowed.
Sinar Harian said on September 30, 2019, that Saudi Arabia welcomed travelers with tourist visas from all over the world. Additionally, religious or philosophical beliefs are not prohibited by tourist visas, and visitors are allowed to enter the country more than once a year as long as they stay no longer than 90 days.
Tanabalan gained a great deal of knowledge and expertise regarding religious practices and traditions while riding a Honda RS 150cc motorcycle. Beyond his spiritual endeavors, the jewel routinely visits houses of worship from all religions, embracing the chance to learn about other cultures and expand his horizons.
He also stated that he had previously visited various religious sites such as mosques, churches, and Buddhist temples to observe the sites and learn about different religious people’s cultures and customs.
Source / Image credit : Sinar Harian /Astro Awani
