Three Peaks Blog: Scafell Pike
Saturday 21st June 2014
4:35am
We’ve not long arrived at the bottom of Scafell Pike. We did wudhu (ablution) the good old-fashioned way – using a bottle of water – and prayed Fajr in the beautiful surroundings. It’s so peaceful at this time of the morning. The moon is still out and the sun coming up. It’s time to renew our intentions and head off.
Last time I did this trek it was just before Maghrib. We reached the summit at midnight and descended in darkness, except for the light of our torches. It was definitely mentally testing. May Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala – Glorified and Exalted is He) guide us as He did on Mount Snowdon. Bismillah (in the name of Allah).
5.22am
We’ve just stopped for a breather. The path to the summit is all up hill, with a steep incline. This one’s going to be tough. Thinking of the cause and my friend’s father is keeping me going. SubhanAllah (glory be to Allah) I’ve never met him, but I’m missing him dearly for some reason – I never thought I’d miss someone I’ve never met. Time to move on. Onwards and upwards inshaAllah (Allah willing).
7:22am
All praise be to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), Lord of the Worlds. we’ve reached the summit. It’s been a tough climb, so the summit is a welcome sight. The constant thought of my friend’s father has kept me going. I’m starting to feel an emotional and personal attachment to him. May Allah accept this from me on his behalf as Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), and grant him a high rank in Janaatul Firdaus (Paradise) – ameen.
9.24am
Alhamdulillah (all praise be to Allah), we’ve got back to the bottom. This trek has taken around 4 hours 40 minutes. We’re so glad to finally get here! It’s been a tough one. My knees are beginning to hurt from the impact on the way down; the good old heat cream will need to come out soon. Doing this for my friend’s father is keeping me going.
I can’t wait to kick these boots off and stop somewhere for breakfast – we’re off to Ben Nevis next. I hope I can get some decent rest on the way there, and be mentally and physically fit to climb inshaAllah. I pray Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) will keep me focused, and enable me to complete the task.
14:26
We just stopped for refreshment and a prayer break at services on our way to Ben Nevis in Scotland. I’m really feeling unwell now, but have to keep going – I need to get this done. I’ve not long had a message of support from my friend, for whose father I’m doing this. It’s cheered me up, and provided some focus, alhamdulillah.
It’s very unlikely we will do this within 24 hours now, as we’re running late. By the Grace of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) I plan to finish regardless. I hope and pray that Allah gives me the mental and physical ability to complete the challenge.
My thoughts are currently with the Birmingham Islamic Relief team, who have an event on this evening. I wish I could be with them to support and help, but this is more important for me. May Allah grant them success and fill their event with barakah (blessing) – ameen.
We’ve prayed prayed Dhuhr and Asr, again outdoors. I love praying outside, especially in beautiful surroundings. I’m so grateful for the act of wudhu, and feeling quite refreshed right now.
Sponsor Zak for his challenge – he’s climbing in memory of a friend’s late father – and stay tuned for the next instalment!