An Indonesian pilgrim arrived in Mecca earlier this year after he made a 9,000 km journey from Indonesia's Java province on foot, Saudi Gazette reported.
The remarkable trek was made by Mochammad Kahmim Setiawan, who decided to go on a year long 'spiritual adventure,' before he arrived for this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
The young man began his trip from Pekalongan regency, his hometown in Indonesia, on August 28, 2016.
He initially expected to arrive in Mecca on August 30 but arrived in the kingdom a few weeks after he entered Abu Dhabi on May 19, 2017.
Throughout his journey, Setiawan walked an average of 50 km a day, and only carried a few of his belongings, including a copy of the holy Quran, in a backpack.
It's about faith, discipline and strength
When asked why he wanted to make such a long and difficult journey to Mecca when he could simply board a plane there, Setiawan explained that this was his way of disciplining himself and strengthening his faith.
"I believe performing Haj is not only a demonstration of solidarity among fellow Muslims," he said.
"My way to demonstrate my piety to Allah the Almighty is by learning about Islam from various Muslim scholars and meet people of different faiths to learn their culture and promote tolerance," he added.
"I am doing a greater form of jihad: Disciplining myself and winning spiritual fight against sins," he explained.
Undeterred by obstacles
During his trip, Setiawan observed a fast during the day.
He often traveled by night and spent his days resting "in mosques, public buildings, houses of local people, or even inside the forests of some countries he passed through."
Though most of his journey went smoothly, the young pilgrim still faced a few obstacles and even fell ill twice during the trip.
Despite these obstacles and even though his own family doubted his ability to reach his destination, urging him to give up on his plans, Setiawan was adamant on achieving his goal.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette his father, Syaufani Solichin, said:
"Whenever he wants something, he'll try wholeheartedly to get it on his own. Nothing stops him. He's a man of a strong conviction."