Sadiq Khan makes 'profoundly life-changing' pilgrimage to Mecca

Sadiq Khan has travelled on a pilgrimage to Mecca, describing the experience as "profoundly life-changing".

London's first Muslim mayor took to social media to share photos from his trip to the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Muslims perform Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, as a core religious duty to seek forgiveness for past sins and demonstrate global unity.

The journey is an obligatory act of worship mandated in the Qur'an, with Muslims expected to complete it at least once in their lifetime.

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Sir Sadiq took to social media to describe the experience to his 200,000 followers.

The mayor wrote: "Truly honoured and blessed to be able to perform Hajj this year, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God).

"Hajj is a profoundly life-changing journey symbolising equality, unity and our collective humanity.

"Standing in the state of ihram - a simple unstitched garment - with so many millions of pilgrims from right across the world is a beautiful reminder of how we are all equal before God.”

He added: "Hajj in its essence symbolises humility, forgiveness and rebirth through self-improvement.

"It is not just about the physical rituals, which has many challenges in the hot desert heat, but also the spiritual journey which is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reflect and engage with faith on a much deeper level.

"I will of course be remembering all those in need in London and around the world in my prayers and duas."

Hajj takes place during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar.

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Around 1.5 million pilgrims had arrived on Monday, according to estimates from Saudi authorities.

This figure puts attendance at 11,000, up from last year, despite the breakout of conflict between Iran, Israel and the US.

Tourism in the Middle East region has dropped significantly since the start of the war.

Mr Khan was pictured in an Ihram, traditionally worn by Muslims during the event.

The attire consists of exactly two white cloths, with one wrapped around the waist, and the other draped over the shoulders.

The 55-year-old was standing in front of the Kaaba, a cube-like structure located at the centre of the Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque).

It is the most sacred site in Islam and serves as the direction toward which Muslims worldwide face to pray.

The Mayor of London last travelled to Mecca in 2022 to perform the Umrah, a minor Islamic pilgrimage.

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