The Difficult Journey by Ahmad Thomson | Islamic Spiritual Growth Novel

The Difficult Journey by Ahmad Thomson | Islamic Spiritual Growth Novel

The Difficult Journey by Ahmad Thomson is a compelling Islamic novel that explores the challenges and rewards of faith, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. Through engaging storytelling, the author takes readers on a transformative journey that reflects the struggles faced by individuals searching for purpose, truth, and a closer relationship with Allah. Drawing upon Islamic values and life experiences, the book encourages reflection on personal character, belief, and the path toward righteousness. Published by Ta-Ha Publishers, this well-known work has inspired readers for decades with its thoughtful narrative and meaningful lessons. Suitable for young adults and adults alike, The Difficult Journey is an excellent addition to any Islamic library and a valuable resource for those seeking motivation and spiritual development.

From Author:

This amazing account traces a vast, difficult circle: an overland Hajj journey during the heat of summer from the shores of England through Greece and Egypt, down the ancient Nile to the Sudan, and finally across to the sanctuary of Makka and then Madina. The return journey in the cold of autumn and winter is no less arduous, winding through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey, before crossing back into Europe. 

The Difficult Journey is a vivid literary time capsule. Now available as a combined volume including The Way Back, it remains a powerful reminder of an era of slow travel and deep faith. It is a substantial, high-quality book designed to be read and shared, capturing a journey that was rough, smooth, and full of the unexpected.

Why you will want to order today: 

» What it means to rely entirely in Allah.

» Time capsule of the Muslim World in late 1970s.

» Understand how a journey can transform the soul.

» Follow a breathtaking route across Europe and Western Asia.

» A raw and sincere account of a young man's first steps into Islam, four years after his conversion.

Content:

London – The Journey Begins
The first steps of an unforgettable pilgrimage from the heart of England.

Athens – Gateway to the East
Exploring history, culture, and the road ahead.

Crete – An Island Stopover
A brief yet memorable chapter on the Mediterranean route.

Alexandria – Echoes of Ancient Glory
Encountering one of the world's most historic cities.

Cairo – Crossroads of Civilization
A vibrant city where tradition and modern life meet.

Humaysara – Into the Desert
The journey enters remote landscapes and new challenges.

Aswan – Along the Nile
A scenic stop beside Egypt's legendary river.

Wadi Halfa – Crossing Borders
The adventure continues into Sudan with renewed determination.

Khartoum – Meeting of the Rivers
Experiencing the culture and spirit of Sudan's capital.

Omdurman – A City of Heritage
A fascinating glimpse into local life and Islamic traditions.

Abu Haraz Tayyaba – A Spiritual Retreat
Moments of reflection, learning, and brotherhood.

Wad Madani – Hospitality on the Road
Warm welcomes and memorable encounters.

Al-Marraheh – Through Rural Sudan
Discovering the beauty of simplicity and resilience.

Kaddabas – The Road Less Traveled
An inspiring chapter of endurance and faith.

Omdurman (Return Visit)
Revisiting familiar faces and cherished memories.

Kusti – Along the White Nile
Another significant milestone on the pilgrimage route.

Ar-Rahad – Trials and Perseverance
Overcoming obstacles with patience and trust in Allah.

El Obeid – Heart of Kordofan
A bustling center rich in culture and history.

Zariba – Life Beyond the Cities
A closer look at Sudan's rural communities.

El Obeid (Return Visit)
Further experiences and lessons from the road.

Nyala – Toward the Final Stages
A chapter filled with anticipation as the journey draws closer to its destination.

Ta Ha Publishers

• Ahmad Thomson

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Page:01
Difficult Journey
One man's account of his extraordinary overland Hajj journey from England to the
Haramayn and back
AHMAD THOMSON
Page:02
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements & Author's Note
Preface to the Revised Edition
Preface
LONDON
ATHENS
CRETE
ALEXANDRIA
CAIRO
HUMAYSARA
ASWAN
WADI HALFA
KHARTOUM
OMDURMAN
ABU HARAZ TAYYABA
WAD MADANI
AL-MARRAHEH
KADDABAS
OMDURMAN
KUSTI
AR-RAHAD
EL OBEID
ZARIBA
EL OBEID
NYALA
Page:03
The Difficult Journey
reaching influence had certainly been one of the main factors in our journey from Cairo to Khartoum via Humaysaa possible. He us warmly and smiled in welcome. His life had probably been, in era when British troops had slaughtered thousands of Muslims and establish their supremacy in his country, and now, near the end of life. we were probably the first British Muslims he had met.
"What have you come for?" he asked.
"We are on our way to do the Hajj in Makka, insha'Allah," I replied; in the meantime we would like to visit the zawiyya in the Sudan, where, because we would like to drink from your cup."
The old man nodded his head in approval and understanding.
The next evening we were invited to break the fast at Shaykh Al- Bourhani's home. About fifteen of us sat round the woven palm carpets on which a feast had been prepared, spread out on the small plates laid out in his garden. During the course of the meal, the Shaykh handed round an earthenware mug filled with a cool white drink which is made from beans. He waited to make sure that I had drunk with it. Indeed, he had been continued with his meal, may Allah have mercy on him.
Having spent three days at the zawiyya, we said goodbye and set off. There were no strings attached to Shaykh Abdal-Bourhani's generosity, as the Prophet Muhammad once said, Allah is between his giving and giver and the hand of the receiver. Shaykh Abdal-Bourhani and his family had been giving freely from what Allah had freely given them, out of the knowledge that the result would be good for all concerned. It was Allah who should be thanked. However, we thanked the Shaykh and his family, forr the Prophet said, whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah!
Page:04
Four years after embracing Islam, a young man set
out to go on the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makka, on a journey that would define a lifetime.
This intriguing account traces a vast, difficult circle: an overland Hajj journey during the heat of summer from the shores of England through Greece and Egypt, down the ancient Nile to the Sudan, and finally across to the sanctuary of Makka and then Madina. The return journey in the cold of autumn and winter is no less arduous, winding through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey, before crossing back into Europe.
The Difficult Journey is a vivid literary time capsule. It remains a powerful reminder of an era of slow travel and deep faith, when the path to the Hajj was not simply a matter of a few hours plane flight, but a transformative, months-long odyssey, rough and smooth and full of the unexpected.