Egyptian Christian Man Wins Free Umrah Trip for Muslim Neighbour
- Mina, a Christian man in Egypt, joined an Islamic Quran competition to win a free Umrah trip for his Muslim neighbour, Um Ali.
- He submitted the correct answer 50 to 60 times to boost his odds and was selected as the winner.
- Mina said his bond with Um Ali’s family goes back more than 20 years, and he treats her like an older sister.
A Christian man in Egypt has won a free Umrah trip after entering an Islamic religious competition testing knowledge of the Quran, with the goal of giving the prize to his Muslim neighbour.
How Mina Joined the Competition
The man, identified as Mina, came across a livestream hosted by Islamic preacher Dr Ayman Abu Omar. He noticed his neighbour, known as Um Ali or Mona, was already taking part, answering Quran questions in the hope of winning an all-expenses-paid Umrah trip.
“I am Christian, but I entered the Islamic religious competition,” Mina said, explaining that his only goal was to win the trip for Um Ali. He told her he would enter alongside her, so that if she didn’t win, he might still be able to secure the prize on her behalf.
Dozens of Attempts to Win
Mina submitted the correct answer more than 50 to 60 times to improve his chances. The strategy worked, and he won the free Umrah trip, which he planned to give to his neighbour from the start.
Um Ali said performing Umrah had been a longstanding wish. She had prayed for the chance to make the pilgrimage while she was still physically able to travel and walk comfortably. When Mina told her the news, he saw her wiping away tears from her home.
“I didn’t know Umrah could create all this happiness,” Mina said.
A Friendship Spanning Two Decades
Mina said his relationship with Um Ali and her family goes back more than 20 years and has long gone beyond that of ordinary neighbours. He considers her an older sister and treats her parents with the same respect he gives his own family.
