Abdullah al-Naif, from the village of Zugheir al-Jazira in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor, decided to travel to Mecca on foot—at a time when airplanes reduce thousands of kilometers to just a few hours. His long journey began across harsh desert terrain, and he has already reached the outskirts of Tadmor (Palmyra). This is neither a search for adventure nor a sporting challenge: according to Abdullah, he set out in response to a dream that appeared three times. In the vision, he was told that upon arriving in Mecca, he should complete 200 readings of the Quran. He therefore made his decision and set off, carrying his belongings and everything he needed.
As he advances, more and more people encounter him along the road: they stop, talk to him, record their meetings on video, and offer food, water, or other assistance. His long journey is thus turning into a series of brief encounters in which Abdullah feels the concern and support of others. When he reached the city of al-Sukhnah, road-security personnel noticed him, took him in, cared for him, and made sure he was safe. A local resident also gave him shelter and supplied him with what he needed, after which Abdullah continued on his way. Videos circulating online show passersby stopping to speak with him, while Abdullah tells them about the reason for his journey and the story of his dream.
Abdullah’s story quickly became material for posts made by the people who meet him. However, his relatives have urged others not to bother him or turn his journey into a way of collecting views. They are asking people to give him space so that he can continue his journey peacefully. Between the desert of Deir ez-Zor and the road to Mecca, the young man continues to walk.
The main paradox of Abdullah’s journey lies in his choice of means, not his destination. In an age when airplanes shorten distances and cars cross deserts, he has chosen the route used by travelers centuries ago. Details of the journey—including the full route, total distance, and arrival date—remain unclear. Nevertheless, he continues to walk on his own two feet, attracting the interest and attention of those he meets along the way.
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What is al-Sukhnah known for, and why is it considered an important stop on the route from Deir ez-Zor to Palmyra? — Al-Sukhnah is a small city in the Syrian desert (the Badia), in Homs province. It is known for its hot sulfur springs and its historic role as a caravan stop between Palmyra and Deir ez-Zor. During the modern conflict, its importance grew because of its strategic location: a key road linking central Syria with the eastern provinces passes through al-Sukhnah, while important oil and gas fields are located nearby. Control of the city therefore made it possible to influence communications and logistics between Deir ez-Zor and Palmyra, making it both an important stop and a military position.
How are vows based on recurring dreams traditionally viewed in Syria, and why might the pilgrim’s relatives ask people not to turn his journey into a public spectacle? — In Syria’s popular religious tradition—among both Muslims and Christians—recurring dreams are often regarded as a sign or a call from a saint or divine power, prompting a person to make a vow (nazr): to undertake a pilgrimage to a holy site, give alms, or perform another ritual. Such a vow is considered a personal covenant between a person and God (or a saint), and fulfilling it requires sincerity (ikhlas). Relatives may ask people not to turn the journey into a public spectacle in order to avoid ostentatious piety, the evil eye, and envy, as well as to protect the pilgrim from unnecessary attention, gossip, or danger. Publicity may be seen as violating the vow’s private nature and risking the replacement of its spiritual meaning with outward display.
Full version: From Syria to Mecca on foot… Why did Abdullah choose a journey reminiscent of the Companions’ era?