Some of the group's walkers on the Christmas Day event. Photo: Muslim Hikers
A group called Muslim Hikers has thanked social media users for their ‘amazing’ support after disparaging remarks were posted by some people online after a Peak District event.
Haroon Mota organised a Christmas Day walk up Mam Tor, with 130 people signing up for the ascent of the hill.
The group was set up during lockdown to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.
But negative comments made on social media after Muslim Hikers posted pictures of the group enjoying the walk included one that said: “PATHETIC go back to what you did before the pandemic and leave this place alone for the proper walkers.”
Another said: “And i [sic] bet not 1 of the 100s help to repair the paths when they become damaged or inpassable [sic]. Absolute disgrace. Who ever [sic] organised such a trip should feel ashamed.”
Mr Mota, who is head of challenge events at the charity Penny Appeal, told the BBC, not enough people from Muslim backgrounds enjoy outdoor recreation, because of different ‘lifestyle and cultural norms.
More than 130 people signed up for the walk. Photo: Muslim Walkers
“For me, for example, growing up, I never had the experience of visiting national parks and going hiking,” he said.
“I’ve always felt very welcome outdoors, but it is not a coincidence that we are most under-represented when it comes to sport and physical activity.
“I think it’s so important to try and help understand what the barriers are for our community, then do more to try and get ourselves outside.”
He said that walking in a group gives people a sense of security.
“We just weren’t expecting all of these unpleasant comments. Of course the majority were supportive, but there was a huge accumulation of derogatory comments.
“It can be quite detrimental and deterring.”
Muslim Hikers said on Twitter: “We’ve just gained an extra 4000 followers in the last two days. Isn’t that just amazing? Thank you everyone for following us and for the amazing support.”
Fara
29 December 2021Just get out and walk whenever you want to in whatever part of the world you want to - you don't have to belong to a particular
organisation or group - just do it.
If others are fearful about it then it has nothing whatsoever to do with you - it's their problem.
Wander wild & free as you're all meant to.
Enjoy & respect this beautiful planet as you go.
John
29 December 2021Great to see people out and about enjoying the countryside. Good on you
Jon
29 December 2021Keep it up, I’ll be happy to see you out on the hills any time.
Pete Owens
29 December 2021Excellent.
Get out and enjoy our hills, coasts and woodlands. We live in a beautiful world.
Mike
30 December 2021Muslim Hikers - please don't let a minority of thoughtless idiots put you off, the hills are there for all. Keep on walking.
Jon H
30 December 2021Keep walking and enjoy our lovely and varied countryside. The health benefits are so beneficial for the mind.
Lesley booth
30 December 2021I’m sorry to hear how ignorant people still are.
Wish you health and happiness in your ventures of walking.
L booth
Les
30 December 2021I’m so sorry to hear what has happened and people are so ignorant. Wishing health and happiness of walking ventures.
hughwestacott
01 January 2022What a disgraceful, and probably illegal, thing to say. All are welcome to the great outdoors irrespective of faith, political views, ethnicity and gender!
Just for the record, there is a Christian Rambling Club which is a national organization with a number of local branches. I’m not aware a Jewish walking club with national coverage but I suspect that some synagogues may organize local walks.
Tim
01 January 2022@hughwestacott
Why do you feel the need to say "Just for the record, there is a Christian Rambling Club"?
SH
03 January 2022^^ Is there any reason why someone shouldn’t say that? I presume they’re just giving examples of different faiths out on the hills Point is the hills are there and open for everyone.
hughwestacott
05 January 2022Thank you, SH!
I was making the point that there is nothing unusual in there being a faith-based walking group, just as there are several special-interest walking clubs such as Red Rope for socialists. For all I know, there may be one for atheists. As you say, we should welcome them all.
But I don't want to stray from the real point. It is utterly disgraceful that this particular group of walkers should be subjected to abuse, on the grounds of their religion or ethnicity.
Hugh