A disabled 14-year-old Qatari, without a lower body, has drawn praise throughout the Gulf for completing Umrah walking on his hands.
Ghanim Al-Muftah, a social media influencer, has never let his disability stop him from reaching his goals. But completing the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca by walking on his hands, instead of using a wheelchair, sends an extra special and inspiring message of devotion.
Muftah did tawaf (circling the Kaaba in Mecca) on his hands
He was lifted to kiss the black stone embedded in one of the corners
The young Qatari met with the Grand Mosque’s Imam Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly
Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the board of a Saudi tourism commission, had extended a special invitation to Muftah and his family. They were assisted by a special security detail throughout the pilgrimage.
Muftah's twin brother also joined him on the pilgrimage
Muftah has Caudal Regression Syndrome, which impairs the development of the lower spine, according to Khaleej Times. As a result, Muftah was born without three-quarters of his body, while his twin brother was born without the condition.
Despite his disability, Muftah has chosen to live life to the fullest. He even has big ambitions for the future.
"I want to study political science to become Qatar's future prime minister," he said in December.
He also called social media his "window to the world." Muftah has nearly 1 million followers on Instagram.
"I was thankfully able to serve my religion, country and family while spreading positive vibes to people and showing them that humans have the ability to give, no matter what their circumstances are," he said.
And Muftah fully embodies that positive message.