Qatari ‘miracle child’ performs Umrah

JEDDAH: Ghanim Al-Miftah, the Qatari “miracle child”, has reached Makkah to perform Umrah — a wish he previously announced — amid a throng of well-wishers led by Sheikh Maher Al-Meiqli, Imam of the Grand Mosque.

Social media websites published videos of the boy while performing Umrah rituals and his meeting with imams of the Grand Mosque.

“Allah answered my prayers and I was able to perform Umrah and circumambulate the Kaaba on my hands,” said the 15-year-old, who had been dubbed “The Gulf Miracle” and “Qatari ambassador of childhood.”

Ghanim was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare disorder which impairs the development of the lower spine. Despite his physical disability, he has made a name for himself, setting up his own charities, his own sports club and has founded his own ice cream shop, according to Marhaba, Qatar’s information guide.

He had also been described by Ameer Al Mulla, CEO of the Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships’



Organizing Committee, as an “embodiment of hope, determination and giving,” and a “fantastic role model for young Qataris.”

Even though he is frail, he was able to overcome his disability and proved to many people that true disability is the disability of the soul and its surrender to inability and believing in the impossible.

In a video shared on social media, Ghanim expressed appreciation to everyone who helped make it possible for him to perform Umrah. “The facilitations I received were from Allah first and foremost; those who helped me to come to Makkah have my deepest appreciation and I will not forget them in my prayers,” he said.

?He thanked Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, for making his dream come true, and his uncle Yousif Al-Marzouq, who accompanied him. He also thanked Dr. Faisal Al-Sharif, director general of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, and all the commission’s employees.