From Sania Mirza to Sonny Bill Williams: Celebrities attending this year's Hajj

As the annual Hajj pilgrimage draws near, Muslims from around the world are preparing to embark on this profound spiritual journey, converging on the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Among the worshippers making headlines this year are several high-profile celebrities, who are setting aside their busy schedules to fulfil their religious obligations.

Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, known for her achievements on the court as a doubles world No. 1, took to social media to express her anticipation and preparations for Hajj.

“I pray that Allah accepts my prayers and guides me on this blessed path. I am deeply fortunate and feel immensely grateful. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I embark on this journey of a lifetime. I hope to come back as a better human being with a humble heart and stronger Imaan,” she said on X platform.

Accompanied by her sister Anam and brother-in-law Mohammad Asaduddin, Mirza spoke of her gratitude for the opportunity to embark on what she described as a "transformative experience."

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is also attending this year’s Hajj. Just days after a victory in the octagon, Makhachev announced that he and his family would be travelling to Makkah for Hajj.

Sonny Bill Williams, renowned for his prowess in both rugby league and union, shared a video message expressing gratitude for being invited to perform Hajj. Williams, a representative of New Zealand in rugby, emphasized the spiritual importance of this pilgrimage in his journey as a sportsman and a Muslim.

Dr. Zakir Naik, the Malaysian-based Indian Islamic scholar and public orator, also made headlines with his journey to Makkah. Known for his extensive work in Islamic education and advocacy, Naik praised the arrangements made for pilgrims, highlighting the efficiency and support received upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Pakistani celebrities were also prominently featured among those preparing for Hajj. Television host Nida Yasir and actress Reema Khan shared their anticipation and spiritual readiness on social media. Yasir, known for her vibrant personality on Pakistani television, requested prayers from her followers as she departed for Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Reema Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani cinema, expressed gratitude upon arriving in Madinah, underscoring the solemnity of the occasion.

The Hajj pilgrimage, a cornerstone of Islam, draws millions of Muslims each year to perform rituals that trace the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad. For these celebrities, whose public lives often revolve around entertainment and sports, Hajj represents a moment of introspection, repentance, and renewal of faith. Their decision to participate reflects a personal commitment to deepen their spiritual connection and seek divine guidance.

For all the glamour and glitter in their respective domains in normal life, hajj is seen as a unique leveller where differences disappear and all the faithful assemble alike in search of the Pleasure of God, with all men wearing two pieces of unstitched white cloth and women clad in modest attire in subdued colours.

Amidst their respective careers and public personas, these celebrities have found common ground in their faith, coming together with millions of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds for this profound journey. Their participation serves as a reminder of the universal appeal and importance of Hajj in the Muslim world, transcending boundaries of fame and occupation.

As they gather in the tent city of Mina near Makkah, these celebrities join fellow pilgrims in rituals that symbolize unity, equality, and submission to the will of Allah. The pilgrimage, with its rigorous physical and spiritual demands, is seen as a transformative experience, leaving pilgrims with a profound sense of humility and spiritual rejuvenation.

In the days leading up to the official start of Hajj on June 14th, the focus remains on Makkah and Madinah, where millions of pilgrims, including these notable figures, will converge to fulfil their religious obligations and seek blessings for themselves and their loved ones.

This article is based on an article published in Arab News