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The easing of diplomatic tensions between Saudi Arabia and Syria has facilitated a historic milestone for Sami Zayn, the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champion. With newfound access to Saudi Arabia, Zayn now has the liberty to honor his professional commitments and his religious obligations in the nation.
Sharing his triumphant experience on Twitter, Zayn announced the completion of his Umrah, a non-compulsory pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, performed outside the Hajj season. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a mandatory pilgrimage for all non-disabled Muslims, commences this year between June 26 and July 1.
Unlike the Umrah, Hajj demands a multitude of intricate rituals.
Zayn's Spiritual Triumph: Alhamdulillah
Sami Zayn's words resonated with gratitude, "The journey with WWE as a professional wrestler has led me to unprecedented corners of the world and gifted me with extraordinary experiences I'd never imagined possible.
I have a lifetime of cherished memories, but this one indisputably tops the list." Zayn concluded his tweet with "alhamdulillah," an Arabic phrase translating to "praise be to God" or "thank God." WWE's long-standing partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority has been a source of friction for Zayn due to the tensions between Saudi Arabia and Syria since 2011.
The crux of the conflict revolved around Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Syrian Civil War. Iran supported the Syrian government as the divide deepened, while Saudi Arabia backed the opposition forces. The intricate interplay of these geopolitical dynamics put Zayn, of Syrian descent, in a precarious position.
Safety concerns barred him from participating in WWE events hosted in Saudi Arabia. However, the diplomatic climate shifted in April when Saudi Arabia and Syria began normalizing relations. This development not only reinstated Zayn's ability to defend his title against Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa but also paved the way for his much-anticipated Umrah.
This fusion of professional accomplishment and religious fulfillment signifies a significant chapter in Sami Zayn's life.
