Shihab Chottur

In a world ruled by speed and shortcuts, Shihab Chottur dared to journey the slow, soul-stirring way — step by step, across thousands of kilometers, powered by faith and an unbreakable spirit.

At 32, a simple driver and farmer from Kerala, India, Shihab embarked on a mission few could even imagine: to walk all the way to Mecca to perform Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage every Muslim dreams of. His journey would become a global story of resilience, hope, and the incredible strength of human will.

A Dream Born in Humility

 Before fame, before the headlines, Shihab was like millions — living a simple life, working hard, carrying big dreams in a small corner of India. What set him apart was the size of his determination.

He trained for six months, waking at dawn to build his stamina, studying routes, preparing mentally for hardships. For Shihab, every step wasn’t just a move forward; it was an act of worship, a proof of devotion to Allah.

The Epic Journey: Across Borders and Boundaries

Shihab’s journey officially began on June 2, 2022. With minimal belongings, he set out on foot, covering an astonishing distance of approximately 8,640 kilometers (5,370 miles).

It wasn’t a straight or easy road. Over the course of 12 months and 5 days, he crossed six countries: India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and finally, Saudi Arabia. He walked through crowded cities, barren deserts, freezing mountains, and open fields — each step a testament to his unwavering resolve.

On June 7, 2023, Shihab finally reached the holy land of Mecca, completing an adventure that seemed larger than life.

Battles Against the Elements — And Fear

The road wasn’t just long; it was perilous.

• Visa complications delayed his entry at the Wagah border between India and Pakistan.
• Wild animals — tigers and bears — threatened him in isolated stretches.
• In Iran, he braved heavy snowstorms, pushing on when others might have turned back.
• Over the months, the physical toll was immense — he lost 18 kilograms of body weight.

Yet through every storm, every danger, Shihab carried a quiet fire within: trust in Allah and belief in his mission.

Hospitality Without Borders

If hardships tested him, humanity uplifted him. Mosques, homes, and hostels became his resting places. Strangers who had never heard his name offered him food, shelter, and prayers.
Each act of kindness stitched together a patchwork of goodwill across nations and languages.