- The Hope and Knowledge (H&K) Cycle Club, established in London a decade ago, combines their passion for cycling with philanthropic efforts, collaborating with charitable organisations to make a global impact.
- In their latest endeavour, a dedicated group of cyclists embarked on a challenging journey from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Istanbul, enduring gruelling conditions to reach their cherished destination.
Established a decade ago, the Hope and Knowledge (H&K) Cycle Club, based in London, has harnessed their passion for cycling to engage in meaningful philanthropic endeavours. Through collaborations with various charitable organisation, the club’s committed members have been instrumental in creating a positive global impact.
The club primarily consists of riders of Bangladeshi origin, with members hailing from India, Pakistan, and Türkiye as well. Its diverse membership spans various age groups, ranging from 17 to 58 years old.
For the latest endeavour, for nearly four gruelling days, the determined group of cyclists embarked on a challenging journey from the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, with a singular objective: to reach their cherished destination, Istanbul.
They battled exhaustion and persevered through harsh weather conditions, pushing their physical limits. Their hearts brimmed with anticipation as they pedaled into the renowned Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul.
The sight of the grand minarets of the Blue Mosque filled them with admiration, signifying the successful culmination of their extraordinary journey.
Shamsul Abdin, the club’s leader, shared the club’s humble beginnings, stating, “The club started 10 years ago with a group of brothers. Just six or seven people who wanted to contribute to charitable causes while indulging in their love for cycling.”
“We enjoy cycling, and it’s something that we do on every Saturday, whether it’s hot, cold, rain outside, and it’s just our way of doing something for humanity,” Abdin said.
H&K Cycle Club has three main events – National Ride, Three Cities, and Hijrah Ride. The National Ride can take place between any two cities in the UK, the Three Cities event covers places in Europe, while the Hijrah Ride runs from Mecca and Medina, two of Islam’s holiest sites located in Saudi Arabia.
To raise funds, riders also set up their own pages or reach out to friends and families for donations.
“Now, where we are in Istanbul is what we’ve been dreaming about cycling,” Abdin said, with a radiant smile adorning his face.
“Istanbul was chosen because of its vibrant history and because of the fact that most of our cyclists are Muslims. We have an emotional attachment to Istanbul. We have an attachment to Türkiye as well,” he added.
“We’ve been to many cities, over a course of 10 years, we have cycled through 52 European cities. I will be honest, there is no other European city like Istanbul. And the fact it’s a gateway to Asia makes it a very unique city as it sits on two continents.”
He noted that the voyage to Istanbul signifies the completion of the club’s ambitious Three Cities project, which spanned a decade.
In the concluding phase of their remarkable expedition, a group of 29 committed riders successfully traversed nearly 400 miles in an intense three-day journey.
Mohamed Hajat, a member of the club’s leadership, elaborated on the driving force that propelled the team to persevere during the difficult moments encountered on their expedition, “When you think about the causes you’re raising money for that’s what really helps because when you’re struggling, you’ve done 90 miles or 120 miles, your body is shaking, your muscles are hurting … you think about what you’re trying to do … to help people change their lives,” he said.
The club’s remarkable efforts culminated in the collection of an astounding £115,000 ($145,000) in funds. These funds have empowered the club to build more than 75 permanent three-bedroom homes, providing shelter for Syrian families living in refugee camps Alhumdulillah!
There are numerous avenues to contribute to the betterment of humanity. Some individuals venture to remote corners of the world to provide healing and care to the ailing, while others opt for arduous multi-day cycling journeys, traversing countless kilometres along demanding and rugged roads. Muslims, will either way be questioned about how we earned and spent our wealth. Allah says in the Qur’an, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261-262):
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts seven ears, and in every ear there are a hundred grains. Thus Allah multiplies the action of whomsoever He wills. Allah is Munificent, All-Knowing. Those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah and do not follow their spending with reminders of their generosity or injure [the feelings of the needy] shall have their reward with their Lord; no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.”
Allah also says, ‘O son of Adam, spend, and I shall spend on you.'” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
May the H&K Cycle Club stand as a profound source of inspiration for us all…..Ameen.
