The British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia has become the first British ambassador to perform hajj. He said he converted to Islam after having lived in "Muslim societies" for 30 years and "right before" marrying his Syrian wife, Huda Mujarkech.
While some diplomats and journalists were previously aware of the conversion, it wasn't officially confirmed until Tuesday, when Ambassador Simon Collis made the news public in a Twitter thread.
"I have converted to Islam after being in Muslim societies for 30 years, and right before getting married to Huda."
Collis' tweet came after Saudi writer Fawziya Al Bakr shared photos of him and his wife dressed in white hajj garments.
"The kingdom's first British ambassador to perform Hajj after converting to Islam: Simon Collis with his wife Ms. Huda in Mecca. Alhamdullillah"
Princess Basmah bint Saud was quick to congratulate the ambassador and his wife – Huda Mujarkech – who is a Syrian Muslim.
The congratulations came pouring in
"I would like to congratulate the ambassador on the historic occasion of his completion of hajj," CEO of the Council of British Hajis Rashid Mogradia said, according to Arab News.
"He is one of many thousands of British pilgrims to perform the journey of faith and we look forward to him sharing his experience and inspiring us all."
Having joined the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1978, Collis speaks fluent Arabic and has been posted in Riyadh since 2015. He has served mainly within the Arab world including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Yemen and Iraq. He is also the father of five children.