By – Alen Bašić – 14th January 2026 5 Pillars
A British Muslim charity has organised a 300-mile cycle route from Makkah to Madinah, tracing the historic migration journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to raise funds for Palestine.
Mercy to Humanity (M2H), a UK-based Muslim charity, is currently undertaking their “Hijrah Ride 2026”, which started on January 12. The 45 cyclists from the UK are embarking on the historic journey between Islam’s two holiest mosques, Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, to Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah.
The cycle is being supported by British volunteers and cycle clubs, such as Go Global Travel & Tours in partnership with Pedlaz CC, Slowspokes CC and BAD Cycling Club, with the initiative of raising vital funds for Palestine at a time of desperate need.
Following the cyclists’ official departure yesterday at 2am from Makkah, M2H said on social media: “Following in the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ, the Hijrah riders set out on a journey that echoes the migration from Makkah to Madinah.”
The Hijrah is a central event in the history of Islam and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet began his migration (hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, to escape persecution from those who were hostile to the message of Islam in Makkah.
The event also marked the start of the Islamic Hijri calendar, a lunar calendar consisting of twelve lunar months, holding deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
Cyclists depart
“What began with a shaky start, broken pedals, loose chains and a few punctures became a powerful reminder that no challenge is too big when brothers stand together. With the support team always ready, every setback was fixed, every rider lifted, and unity carried the group forward,” the charity said following their first day of riding.
The reason why M2H are embarking on this journey is to raise funds for Palestine, a cause they have labelled “a crisis beyond imagination”.
Over 3.3 million people are in urgent need, 1.7 million children are suffering, over 100,000 require medical aid, 2.2 million are facing extreme food insecurity, and 1.9 million have been displaced from their homes, according to M2H.
The official fundraiser on the M2H website has already raised over £363,000 out of a £400,000 target as of January 13, merely a few days into the Hijrah journey.
Who are Mercy to Humanity (MTH)?
M2H are a Muslim humanitarian charity “deeply committed to supporting orphans, widows and the elderly, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they rightfully deserve”.
The charity works in several countries to deliver aid to millions who are solely dependent on humanitarian aid to survive.
Locations where M2H work include: the United Kingdom, Albania, Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Yemen, Pakistan, India, and Jammu and Kashmir.
They carry out various projects, such as building wells to provide clean water, delivering essential medical aid and healthcare, combating hunger by distributing meals, and supporting orphanages and mosques to empower communities through education.
M2H describe their mission in the following way: “To transform the lives of those who have faced injustice and adversity around the world.”
Updates from the “Hijrah Ride 2026” can be followed via the Mercy to Humanity Instagram page, where live updates from the 300-mile journey are posted.
Registration for the “Hijrah Ride 2027” is already open, which will take place from January 6th to January 17.
If you would like to donate to the cause, this is the link to the fundraiser to support Palestine through the Hijrah Ride.
This article is an advertorial piece for our charity partner Mercy to Humanity.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 