Travels, Pilgrimage & Exploration
From a sea voyage past Gibraltar to Makkah, Madinah, and Istanbul.
The Voyage to London by Sea
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One of the journeys he remembered most vividly was his first voyage outside Pakistan as a young man travelling to London to pursue professional studies. Unlike modern air travel, this journey was made by sea and lasted several weeks.
Throughout his life he would often recall passing through the Strait of Gibraltar and seeing the coast of Morocco near Tangier.
Strait of Gibraltar
The narrow passage between Europe and Africa — between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean — that Aslam Hayat passed through as a young man on his way to London. He spoke of seeing the Moroccan coast near Tangier, and the memory remained with him throughout his life.
Makkah & Madinah — The Sacred Journeys
He made multiple pilgrimages to Makkah and Madinah over the course of his life.
مَكَّةُ الْمُكَرَّمَة
Makkah al-Mukarramah
The holiest city in Islam — home of the Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, the direction of every Muslim's prayer. He made pilgrimage here more than once, each visit a renewal of faith and intention.
الْمَدِينَةُ الْمُنَوَّرَة
Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah
The City of the Prophet ﷺ — where the Masjid an-Nabawi stands and where Islam first took root as a community. A city of profound peace and spiritual depth.
Travels with Family
In later years, many of his most cherished journeys were shared with his grandson, Zeeshan Hayat, and other members of the family. Together they travelled to numerous countries and historic destinations, creating memories that spanned generations.
He also travelled extensively throughout the United Kingdom to visit family members, including his children and grandchildren who lived there — maintaining close family connections across continents as the family spread from Lahore to London to Vancouver.
Turkey, 2008 — Istanbul
One of his favourite international trips took place in 2008 when he travelled through Turkey. He was particularly fascinated by Istanbul's rich history and often spoke about visiting the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Topkapi Museum. The intersection of Islamic civilisation, Ottoman history, and world culture made a lasting impression on him.
The Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet Camii — a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a living place of worship
Topkapi Palace
Heart of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries — treasury, courts, and sacred relics
Topkapi Museum
The museum collections — a window into Ottoman civilisation and Islamic heritage
A World Explored
United Kingdom
London — studies, family visits, and decades of connection
Saudi Arabia
Makkah and Madinah — multiple pilgrimages over the years
Turkey
Istanbul, 2008 — Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Ottoman history
Egypt
Ancient civilisation and Islamic heritage
Cyprus
Mediterranean travels
France
European exploration
Pakistan
Lahore — return visits to the city of his birth
United Arab Emirates
Family visits, including Dubai