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The Journey Behind Hiking Haifa
Hamid — Founder of Hiking Haifa
Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullah Wa barakatu
My name is Hamid. I am a graduate of Darul Uloom Dewsbury, a Hafidh of the Qur’an, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in Education. Fluent in English, Arabic, Urdu and becoming fluent in Hebrew.
For the past ten years I have travelled regularly to Masjid al-Aqsa, studying its rich history and the heritage of its surrounding lands. Alhamdulillah, I’ve had the privilege of sharing this knowledge with many groups, guiding them through the spiritual and historical heart of Jerusalem, sharing insights that connect the past to the present.
During a recent visit, I explored several hiking trails across the country and realised how beautifully spirituality and nature complement one another. The experience of praying Fajr in Al-Aqsa and then spending the day immersed in the breath-taking landscapes on these blessed lands. This is the inspiration behind Hiking Haifa.
Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night are signs for those of understanding. (3:190)
ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًۭا وَقُعُودًۭا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ
Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying, “Our Lord, You have not created this without purpose. Glory be to You, so protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (3:191)
These verses remind us to reflect deeply upon the signs of Allah in the heavens and the earth. So, just as praying in Masjid al-Aqsa is a great form of worship; with the correct intentions, hiking can also be considered a form of worship. Combining the two in the blessed lands is the vision behind Hiking Haifa.