RIYADH, 27 January 2005 — The young, unemployed Saudi man has his eyes set on foreign borders for a mission of great importance. His target is the world, and his aim is to spread a message of peace and tolerance from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to all the peoples he encounters along his way.
Abdul Majeed Al-Dowsari, a 30-year-old native of Nawadi Al-Dawasir, has embarked on an international walkathon to sow the seeds of peace around the world and to encourage solidarity with Saudis.
He has already completed the first leg of this epic journey, which took him to the Gulf countries; now he will set forth for the other countries of the Arabian Peninsula.
He says it’s a new twist on an old idea.
“I was always inspired by the Hajis who traveled from their countries in Asia to Makkah on foot,” Al-Dowsari said during a recent interview in Riyadh. “Walking on foot is not just good exercise; it has many benefits. Our forefathers were explorers, and through their travels they discovered many good things and spread the message of Islam to every country they visited.”
He’s trying to combat messages of violence and intolerance of others with a message of his own to the young people his own country.
“First, we must all respect Allah,” said Al-Dowsari. “We also should be obedient to the guardians of the Kingdom.”
He says anyone who doubts his last observation just needs to look around.
“We should be thankful both to Allah and to the Saudi authorities for the security and peace where we live,” Al-Dowsari said. “This is a great gift given to us, and we must be proud of it and keep it up.”
He hopes his journey serves as a reminder that Islam is a religion of peace — both for people of other lands and for young Saudis who are being lured to the dark side by the lies of evil men.
“I’m urging some others to bring to a halt to their ideas about destructive acts, which not only tarnish the name of Saudi Arabia but the name of Islam as a whole,” he said.
Al-Dowsari, who plans to author a bilingual dictionary, wants to show his fellow Saudi youth that they can make use of their time in beneficial activities.
“I myself am not a working person,” he said, “but I’ve initiated this adventure to instead bring the message of our country to the people outside so I can do my part in fostering peace and harmony among different people.”
Al-Dowsari’s walkathon, which he’s calling “We Are All Fahd,” has garnered the support of Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Fahd, state minister, and Prince Turki ibn Bandar, chairman of the board at Hafeed Al-Jaddain Co.
He’s also earned the goodwill of King Abdallah and Queen Rania of Jordan for his upcoming visit there and the warm welcomes of the people of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, who, he said, gave him special care.
He’s also inviting others to join him on his adventure — provided they’re up to it. His trip to Kuwait from Riyadh took two months afoot.
Al-Dowsari believes he may be the only Arab, at least in modern history, to make such a journey. But the journey won’t stop there. When he finishes the coming leg, he will turn his sights to Europe.
“Because of determination and patience I will finish this despite the risks and difficulties I’ve already suffered and may yet face during my adventures,” Al-Dowsari said.
