In his awe-inspiring journey of discovery, Billal Higo crosses borders, immerses himself in diverse Muslim cultures, and connects through prayer in countless mosques across 19 countries, from Türkiye to South Africa, over the course of just two years.
Billal finds solace inside the peaceful Kaya Mosque in Turkish province Aksaray after performing the noon prayer. /Photo: Billal Higo
“I thought that if I pray each daily prayer in a congregation in one mosque in 21 days, I would pray in 105 different mosques in total,” Billal tells TRT World. Officials from Saudi Arabia estimate that some two million Muslims are joining this year’s pilgrimage that begins on Monday. One of the world’s largest religious gatherings is returning to full capacity this year after three years of Covid-19 restrictions.Outlining the ambitious goal he set for himself, Billal immediately texted this idea to his travel companion, Karim, who was on another plane from Berlin to Istanbul.
The experience was a significant turning point in his life, said Billal, who is now working as a counselling therapist, cultural psychology researcher and an upcoming clinical psychologist. Asked which mosque in Türkiye was his favourite, he gave a quite surprising answer: It was neither Ayasofya nor Suleymaniye. Not an Ottoman-style domed mosque with gorgeous blue tiles, nor a classical Anatolian Seljuk mosque with wooden columns.
With no one available to make the call to prayer, Billal’s friend Karim stepped up to make the call. The two friends performed their prayers together, this time with trees, rocks, and mountains as part of their congregation.Billal’s adventure and spiritual journey through Türkiye and Bosnia was just the beginning. Soon, he found himself on a new challenge, and visiting mosques became an indispensable part of each trip he plans.
“When I am in the mosque, when people see me praying, especially because I’m very tall and dark-skinned, people usually see me directly. In the mosque, people don’t see me as a guy with dollars or as a tourist. They’re like he’s one of us, somebody praying with us.”16th century Juma mosque built with 213 elmwood columns in Khiva, Uzbekistan. / Photo: Billal Higo
“I went to Jakha's house, and his neighbours joined us. We ate together, got to know each other and even slept at their house. I am still in touch with him and his family.”Billal’s 100-mosque challenge stands as a testament to the enduring bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that transcend nationalities, cultures, and languages.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
German far-right AfD party wins first county leadership postFar-right Alternative for Germany party sees its first head of a county administration elected in victory that comes as national polls show the party's support at record levels
Baca lebih lajut »
Two-time champion Kvitova warms up for Wimbledon with German Open titleTwo-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova beat Donna Vekic of Croatia 6-2 7-6(6) on Sunday to lift the German Open title and confirm her form on grass just over a week before the Grand Slam in London.
Baca lebih lajut »
German Business Sentiment Fell in June as Manufacturing Outlook WorsensBy Ed Frankl Business sentiment in Germany worsened in June for the second month in a row, with weakness in the manufacturing sector leading to a bleaker...
Baca lebih lajut »
Treasury yields fall to begin week after short-lived Russia mutiny, German dataTreasury yields move lower to kick off the week.
Baca lebih lajut »
Carmakers owe compensation for emissions cheating devices, German court rulesCarmakers must pay compensation for diesel vehicles fitted with illegal emissions controlling devices, Germany's highest federal court ruled on Monday, in a case that could potentially cost Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and others millions of euros.
Baca lebih lajut »
German high court smacks down ban on peaceful protests within vicinity of abortion clinics: 'Truly relieved'A high court in Germany ruled against a ban that prevented peaceful protests and counseling within sight of an abortion clinic, which 40 Days for Life has notched as a legal win.
Baca lebih lajut »