London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has travelled to Mecca for the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj, describing it as a 'life-changing' experience. He shared videos and photos on Instagram, telling his 212,000 followers he was 'truly honoured and blessed to have performed Hajj'.
The annual pilgrimage sees up to 1.7 million Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, required of all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey at least once in their lifetime.
Sir Sadiq, who earns around £170,000 a year as Mayor, posed for a picture with the sacred Kaaba in the background. He said: 'Hajj at its essence symbolises humility, self-improvement and our collective humanity. Alhamdulillah, I feel truly honoured and blessed to have performed Hajj with more than 1.5 million Muslims from across the globe.'
The Mayor's journey coincided with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. He added: 'May Allah accept it from all of us. From my family to yours, Eid Mubarak.'
More than 1.5 million pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the country, according to Saudi authorities. The Hajj takes place against a backdrop of regional tensions, but for pilgrims it remains a deeply moving spiritual experience and a chance to seek God's forgiveness.
