Muslims from all over the world congregate in the holy towns of Makkah and Madinah each year in advance of the Hajj pilgrimage, which is for many a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.
On Friday, June 14, when Hajj officially begins, pilgrims will gather in Mina, a tent city close to Makkah.
Celebrities who are taking a break from their hectic schedules to deepen their religious connection will be among the believers.
This year’s Hajj participants include former world No. 1 Indian professional tennis player Sania Mirza, Islam Makhachev, the winner of the UFC lightweight division, Sonny Bill Williams, a heavyweight boxer and former professional rugby player from New Zealand, Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, an Indian Islamic public speaker based in Malaysia, Nida Yasir, a former actress and television host from Pakistan, and Reema Khan, an actress, film director, and producer from Pakistan.
One of the five pillars of Islam, Mirza used social media to share her expectations and plans for this “transformative experience.”
She asked for “forgiveness for any wrongdoings and shortcomings” in a message posted on X, expressing her thanks for the opportunity to pursue spiritual rebirth and redemption.
“I pray that Allah accepts my prayers and leads me on this blessed path,” she continued. I am quite appreciative and feel very fortunate. When I set out on my once-in-a-lifetime excursion, do remember me in your prayers and thoughts. I want to return a stronger Imaan and a better person with a humble heart.
Also Read:
Saudi Arabia Uses Technology to Give Pilgrims an Efficient Hajj Experience
In Saudi Arabia, e& Enterprise Opens a Contact and Customer Experience Center
