Sadiq Khan has said he feels 'truly honoured and blessed' to perform the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca.In a post on Instagram, the Mayor of London shared photographs of himself at the Kaaba at the centre of the Masjid al-Haram - the largest mosque in the world and the holiest site in Islam.Hajj is a spiritual duty and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, with all adult Muslims, who are physically and financially able, required to complete the journey at least once in their lifetime.In a statement posted to social media, Mr Khan, who has been London Mayor since 2016, wrote: '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.'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.' Sadiq Khan has said he feels 'truly honoured and blessed' to perform the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca In a post on Instagram , the Mayor of London shared photographs of himself at the Kaaba in the centre of the Masjid al-Haram Hajj is a spiritual duty and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, with all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able required to complete the journey at least once in their lifetimeMr Khan, who was born in London to Pakistani parents, last travelled to Mecca in 2022 to perform the Umrah, which is a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year.Meanwhile, the Hajj takes place during the same period each year – during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar.Saudi authorities have said that some 1.51 million pilgrims had arrived from outside the kingdom. The figure is 11,000 more than last year, despite concerns in the region about a resumption of the three-month-old conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.Prior to a shaky ceasefire taking hold last month, Tehran launched waves of missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours in retaliation for US and Israeli air strikes. Two civilians living in the central city of al-Kharj, southeast of the capital, were killed in an Iranian attack on March 8, alongside an American service member stationed at the nearby Prince Sultan Air Base.Last week, the Saudi defence ministry posted a video on social media showing air defence batteries on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca, which is in the Hejazi region of western Saudi Arabia.'The air defence forces are responsible for protecting the skies over the holy sites and dealing with all aerial threats, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of the guests,' the post said.During the Hajj, Muslims must perform the 'tawaf' - walking seven times around the Kaaba, the giant black cube at Mecca's Grand Mosque.Men wear a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasises unity among believers regardless of their social status or nationality.Women must wear loose dresses, exposing only their faces and hands.Pilgrims next walk seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwa.They then move on to Mina, around three miles away, ahead of the main rite of the pilgrimage at Mount Arafat.The climax of the Hajj took place on Tuesday at the gathering on Mount Arafat, about six miles from Mina, where it is believed the Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.'The war in Iran has affected the entire world. Nobody wants wars or harm to countries and peoples,' said Mohammed Chahada, an Egyptian in his 50s, as he walked through a crowd exiting the Grand Mosque.Despite the heat and the uncertainty over the war, pilgrims in Mecca were ecstatic. 'I have wanted to perform the pilgrimage my entire life, for 40 or 50 years,' said Jreish Mohammed, a 68-year-old decked out in the traditional attire from his native Morocco.'And this year, my dream came true.'