Muslim-American Olympian, Ibtihaj Muhammad - who is considered to be the first American hijabi to compete in the Olympic Games - performed Hajj this year and documented her experience on >social media.
In an interview with Arab News, Muhammad described the journey as "one of the best experiences" due to the fact that she saw "people from different parts of the world unite in devotion to their faith."
"It is something I will never forget," she said.
Muhammad did not plan to perform Hajj this year, up until she received an invite from Dar El Salam travel agency.
"I felt like it was something Allah called on me to perform Hajj and I was very excited. I was also very apprehensive and did not know what to expect; as you read and try to prepare for the journey it is more than anything you can anticipate."
Upon arrival to the kingdom ...
Muhammad expressed positive sentiments towards Saudi Arabia, thanking the kingdom for having her.
She also praised the kingdom's organizational efforts made for pilgrims this year.
"To the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia I thank you for having me; it has been a really transformative experience."
She described the Kaaba as one of the "greatest sights I have ever seen."