Women Retrace Sacred Hijrah Route from Makkah to Madinah
EDDAH — A group of 22 women has retraced the sacred steps of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah, becoming the first known women-only group to complete the journey along the route closest to the original path.
Participants ranged from adventurers and healthcare professionals to teachers and mothers, aged between 30 and 50. They walked nearly 500 km on foot, experiencing the challenges and spiritual significance of the journey the Prophet undertook more than 1,400 years ago.
“Yes, it is the first ever women-only Hijrah walk. They came from all over the world to share this unforgettable experience,” said Salma Abdulrahman, director of Soul Al-Hijrah, who accompanied the participants. “This journey revived my heart and inspired the creation of our tourism company.”
The women visited key historical locations along the route, including deserts, valleys, and mountains, finishing at Madinah with a warm welcome of roses and prayers. Their first stop was the Quba Mosque, the first mosque in Islamic history, partially built by the Prophet himself.
Dr. Dina Altayeb, a periodontist and Ironman World Championship competitor, described the journey as a profoundly emotional experience. “Spiritually, it was indescribable. Walking as the Prophet did offered lessons for the soul, body, and mind,” she said.
Ghadeer Sultan, a human resources manager, joined spontaneously. “Entering Madinah felt like peace and light had penetrated my soul. I experienced the joy of the Ansar and the timeless values of love and tolerance,” she said.
Abdulrahman said the initiative reflects growing global interest in spiritual and historical tourism and highlighted the supportive environment in Saudi Arabia that has enabled women to lead such ventures.
