Photos courtesy of Akke Rahman
On May 13, at 7.30 am Nepal time, 39-year-old Aklakur ‘Akke’ Rahman officially became the UK’s first British Muslim to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Akke began the challenge during Ramadan, which means he had been fasting for two weeks before setting off. He fell down a crevasse early on and missed celebrating Eid with his wife and three children.
The Muslim News caught up with the British Bengali mountaineer a month after reaching the 8,849-metre summit to reflect on his remarkable achievement, which also saw him raise over £90,000 for the Orphans Shelter Foundation.
How and when did you get into mountaineering?
I’ve always aspired to climb and explore as a child, but it didn’t come to fruition until I decided one day that I wanted to achieve something, something to inspire my children, something to show them that you can be what you want, achieve great things, and leave a legacy.
I’ve been climbing mountains for a few years. It started when I decided to climb Mount Snowdon; I told myself if I enjoyed it, I’d climb Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest mountain. The Elbrus expedition was booked days after completing Mount Snowdon. I’ve also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and Mont Blanc, which is on a different continent within a week. I climbed Mount Elbrus in less than 24 hours without acclimatising. I’ve also been to the Himalayas to Ama Dablam, six months before Mount Everest.
Before you took on the challenge, were you aware that you could become the first British Muslim to summit Mount Everest? What effect did that knowledge have on you?
Yes, I was aware of this and wanted to pioneer the way and inspire Muslims as well as everyone else that you can be what you want to be. Motivate them and show them a normal person just like them can do it. You need to believe in yourself as ‘believing is achieving’.
What was the most difficult aspect of climbing Mount Everest?
The hardest aspect for me was the mental side of things. I was feeling down and somewhat depressed a couple of days before Eid because I missed my family so much and felt so lonely. I thought my passion for climbing; the excitement of being on Everest and adrenaline would get me through without missing them. This was not the case.
What did it feel like to reach the Everest summit?
Surreal! Something unimaginable! At the same time, I felt like I had accomplished what I’d been dreaming of. I was also relieved, but anxious to get down safely.
Is there a difference in how you prepare for climbing Everest compared to any other mountain?
It’s all pretty much the same sort of prep, fitness, endurance, and strength training. It’s also important to mentally prepare yourself.
What feedback did you get from family and friends when you announced your decision to climb Everest?
It was mixed; most were supportive, and a lot didn’t want me to go because of the dangers.
Has reaching the summit of Mount Everest increased or decreased your passion for climbing? Some might argue the accomplishment makes all other climbs anti-climactic.
Not at all because every mountain poses a different challenge, and this draws me in. If anything, I’m more pumped to go back to the mountains, ideally another 8,000er.
Your Mount Everest climb has raised funds for the Orphans Shelter Foundation. Can you tell us why you chose that charity, and what’s your reaction to fundraising over £90,000 so far?
I’m grateful Allah has allowed my campaign to raise so much, I pray it’s accepted. Currently, the Peak Humanity Page is on £92,000, however, with cash donations; we are over, £100k Alhamdulillah. I chose this charity because the funds we raise will be split between a number of charities, and I believe that’s an opportunity to help more people from a wider demographic. There are also more opportunities for our sacrifices to get accepted, as we don’t know whose duas (supplications) will be accepted.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of mountaineering but living in urban areas with no idea of how to start?
Keep yourself fit; go running and do strength training in the gym. When running, push yourself beyond your comfort zone. This will not only make you fitter. but will build your endurance and resilience, which will come in very handy in the mountains. If you can, go hiking at the weekend, get used to the different terrains and finally try to carry a load in your backpack so you get used to carrying it.
To donate to Akke Rahman Peak Humanity campaign click here
Interview by Elham Asaad Buaras
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