Mashable: Indian Tennis icon Sania Mirza recently announced that she has embarked on her first Hajj pilgrimage alongside her family.

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, the Indian former tennis player took to social media and revealed that she is “immensely grateful” for being able to take the sacred journey of Hajj.

A post shared by Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar)

“Dear friends and loved ones, I have been blessed with the incredible opportunity to embark on the sacred journey of Haj,” reads Sania’s heartfelt message.

“As I prepare for this transformative experience, I humbly ask for your forgiveness for any wrongdoings and shortcomings. My heart is filled with gratitude for this chance to seek redemption and spiritual renewal,” she wrote to her 13.1 million Instagram followers, praying that Allah accepts her prayers and guides her on this blessed path.

Sania Mirza, 37, who retired from professional tennis in February 2023, added, that she is deeply fortunate and feels “immensely grateful.” Calling it a journey of a lifetime, she hopes to come back as a “better human being with a humble heart and stronger imaan.”

This comes almost five months after she announced her split with Pakistani cricketer husband Shoaib Malik.

Her sister and entrepreneur, Anam Mirza also announced the sacred Haj 2024 journey on Instagram. Nasim Mirza, Sania’s mother also shared a group photo on the social media platform.

A post shared by Nasima Mirza (@nasimamirza)

This year, Hajj will commence on Friday, June 14, 2024, after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced the sighting of the crescent Moon on Thursday evening.

With the sighting of the crescent moon comes the confirmation of Eid Al Adha, which will be celebrated from Sunday, June 16, 2024