23January

Mostafa Salameh becomes first Muslim Scottish to ski to the South Pole

Mostafa Salameh, a Scottish–Jordanian adventurer had become the first Muslim to ski to the South Pole after completing a grueling endurance trek across the frozen wastes of Antarctica, Jody Harrison of Herald Scotland reported on January 20, 2016.

Salameh spent 38 days crossing the ice-bound continent with two teammates, pulling up to 90 kilos of supplies behind them on sleds. He is 44 years old.

He set off in November, but was trapped at the Union Glacier base camp by fierce storms for 13 days before setting off across one of the harshest landscapes on earth, Harrison said in its report.

Along the way he raised huge sums for charity, and carried a Scottish saltire for good luck which he flew over the Pole after finally reaching his goal earlier this month.

He had to cope with minor frostbite to his nose and toes, a swollen wrist caused by the weight of his sled and a sprained ankle on the last four days of the trek.
Salameh has previously climbed Everest, reached the peaks of the seven highest mountains on each of the continents, and made it to the North Pole.

He said that he hoped his exploits would help the world see Islam in a better light and inspire other young Muslims to put their efforts into worthwhile causes.
He said: "It feels really good to have made it. I've done the grand slam of adventures.

"The toughest thing about crossing Antarctica was the cold, which made things very difficult at times. It was harder than I expected and it took a lot of getting used to.

"But every day you get fitter and more used to the sled you're pulling behind you. I wanted to do this to show a good image of Islam and give young people a better message than the one of radicalization."

He described the challenges he has faced as jihad, which can also mean an internal spiritual struggle rather than holy war.

He added: "I did it for Islam and the peaceful massage this beautiful religion came to offer as I become also the first Muslim to do so. I did it for the Palestinian people and hope for peace.