Syrian man sets out on foot for 2,000km journey to Mecca

A Syrian man has set out on foot from eastern Syria to Mecca, embarking on a journey of more than 2,000 kilometres across the desert, with Syrian authorities providing assistance along parts of his route.

Abdullah Hammoud al-Nayef began walking from his village of Zughair Jazira in Syria's Deir al-Zour province, heading south through the Syrian Desert towards Saudi Arabia and the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site.

Carrying his belongings and supplies for the road, Nayef is expected to cross Jordan before entering Saudi Arabia.

The journey could take several months on foot, depending on his route and pace.

Syrian security personnel have accompanied Nayef during parts of the journey to help ensure his safety as he crosses long stretches of sparsely populated desert.

When he reached the town of al-Sukhnah, northeast of the ancient city of Palmyra, Syrian road security personnel met him, checked on his condition and offered assistance.

Syrian TV reported that it remained unclear whether Nayef had obtained the permits needed to cross into Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

A journey inspired by a 'recurring dream'

Nayef has said his decision to walk to Mecca was motivated by a dream that he experienced three times.

In videos shared on social media, he said he did not view the journey as an adventure or sporting challenge but as something he felt compelled to undertake.

من قرية زغير جزيرة في ريف دير الزور السورية إلى #مكة المكرمة سيراً على الأقدام.. عبد الله النايف يواصل رحلته عبر البادية، مستنداً إلى رؤيا قال إنها تكررت أمامه 3 مرات. #سطور_سوريا pic.twitter.com/hGmmRvpf3i

— سطور- سوريا (@sotoursyria) September 20, 2026

"I was commanded to walk, but I was not commanded to reach my destination. God Almighty is the one who will get me there. I was [only] commanded to walk," Nayef is seen telling two passengers who stopped to speak to him.

Nayef has also said he plans to read the entire Quran 200 times after reaching Mecca.

As he makes his way south, his journey has attracted increasing attention from people along the route, with passers-by stopping to check on him and offer food, water and other assistance.

Videos circulating online show people speaking with Nayef and asking about his destination and the reasons behind his decision to make the long journey on foot.

The unusual journey has drawn attention online, particularly among Syrians, with many social media users expressing admiration for Nayef's determination to reach Mecca on foot.

Others have urged people who encounter him not to overwhelm him or turn his journey into social media content, calling for him to be given space to continue travelling in peace.

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required once in a Muslim's lifetime for those physically and financially able to perform it. Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Muslims can also travel to Mecca throughout much of the year to perform Umrah, a voluntary pilgrimage.