How to Pronounce hadj / hajj

Meaning and Context

The Hajj (also transliterated as Hadj) is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, a profound spiritual journey that constitutes one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a religious duty, or fardh, that must be carried out at least once in the lifetime of every adult Muslim who possesses the physical health and financial means, known as istita'ah, to undertake it. The rites of Hajj are performed over five to six days during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, culminating in the global festival of Eid al-Adha. Key rituals include the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba; the Sa'i, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah; the solemn day of standing at the plain of Arafat (Wuquf); and the symbolic stoning of pillars at Mina. This massive gathering of millions of Muslims from every corner of the globe embodies the concepts of ummah (global community), equality before Allah, and spiritual renewal, making it a central event in the Islamic calendar and a powerful symbol of unity and devotion.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term has several accepted transliterations from Arabic into the Latin alphabet, leading to variant spellings. The most common and widely recognized spelling in English is Hajj, with a double 'j', which accurately reflects the emphatic Arabic letter jīm. The spelling Hadj is an older, French-influenced transliteration that is still encountered, particularly in historical texts or certain regional contexts. A shortened form, Haj, is also used, often in compound terms like Hajj season or when referring to a pilgrim (Hajji or Al-Hajj). Common misspellings and typos arise from phonetic guesses or keyboard errors, such as "Haj," "Hadjj," "Hadjj," or "Hajj." It is also frequently confused with the term Umrah, which refers to the lesser, non-mandatory pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year. Capitalization is standard, as it is a proper noun referring to a specific religious event.

Example Sentences

After a lifetime of saving, my grandparents finally fulfilled their religious obligation by performing the Hajj last year.

The Saudi government implements sophisticated crowd management systems to ensure the safety of the millions of pilgrims during the Hajj season.

In his writings, the scholar described the transformative experience of standing at Arafat during the Hajj as a profound moment of repentance and clarity.

Many Muslims who have completed the pilgrimage earn the honorific title Hajji before their name.

The rituals of the Hajj, including the Tawaf around the Kaaba, commemorate the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family.

Due to global health concerns, the annual Hajj in 2020 saw a dramatically limited number of participants.

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