By M. Ashraf Ahmed

Islamic Post Staff Writer

In keeping with the instruction of our beloved Murshid, Sheikh Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, a group of pioneers set out to explore Alaska, in hopes of gaining a better view of the beauty of Allah’s creation, and becoming aware of the expanse of land that surrounds the city, in which they now live.

The city of Anchorage lies in a valley that is bordered on its west by a body of water known as Cook’s Inlet, and shadowed on its eastern side by the mighty Chugach Mountains. The Chugach range is ever visible, towering over the city and stretching out hundreds of miles to the east.

The group set out into the brisk early autumn air, the birch leaves only just starting their transformation from green to bright orange. They drove for a while enjoying each other’s company, taking in the sights of the city until the first telltale sign of winter’s approach caught their eyes. It was the snow covered peak of a mountain far off in the distance. They drove toward it. The great expanse of the inlet beckoned before them. Beyond the inlet, their eyes trailed to the mountain peak; its stark contrast stood vertical to the gentle rippling water of the inlet. Dusts of snow capped the mountain peak that was shrouded by clouds. “Sleeping lady” is what she’s called. “You can also see Mount McKinley if the air is clear,” said an Alaskan resident.

In the search for places to see in the immediate area, the new Alaskan explorers found that the wilderness was just a short drive from the center of town. Their next adventure would take them just outside the city and into the towering Chugach Mountains. They struck out to hike the six mile flattop trail, one of Alaska’s most popular hiking trails. The explorers were not prepared for the wonder that awaited them.

The trail wound gradually upward through the gentle hills, leaving the valley behind. As the terrain changed from a gentle winding trail to steep switchback, the weather mimicked the transition, by trading its cool breeze and bright autumn colors for cold wind and snow-covered rock. Winter replaced fall. The group climbed the steepening trail to its summit; the top opened to a view of unending field of snowcapped peaks limiting only to the naked eye. A true wonder for the eye to see.

When the youngest of the group, Barakallah Ahmed, was asked how he liked the expedition, he stuttered, “It was hard; it was cold; it was long;” In amazement, he continued, “I’ve  never seen anything like it.”