haj
Noun 1. The Hajj: The major Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an obligation that must be carried out at least once in a lifetime by every adult Muslim who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey. The pilgrimage occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The word "haj" (also commonly spelled "hajj") refers specifically to the religious journey itself. It is typically preceded by the definite article "the" and is often capitalized when referring to the specific event.
- Noun:
- Every year, millions of Muslims perform the haj.
- Saving money for the haj is a lifelong goal for many believers.
- The rituals of the haj commemorate the actions of the Prophet Abraham and his family.
To go on (a) haj / To perform the haj: These are the standard phrases for describing the act of undertaking the pilgrimage.
- After years of planning, they finally went on haj.
- Performing the haj was the most profound experience of her life.
Hajj season: Refers to the specific time in Dhu al-Hijjah when the pilgrimage takes place.
- Airports are extremely busy during the hajj season.
- Hajj: The more common transliteration from Arabic.
- Haji (or Hajji): A title of respect for a Muslim who has successfully completed the Hajj. It is often used as a noun to refer to such a person.
- The community sought advice from the haji about the pilgrimage rituals.
- Pilgrimage: A general term for a journey to a sacred place for religious reasons. (Note: "Haj" is the specific Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca).
- The Pilgrimage: When capitalized and used with the definite article in an Islamic context, it is understood to mean the Hajj.
The term "haj" refers exclusively to the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. It is not used for other religious or non-religious journeys. The completion of the Hajj is a central event in a Muslim's spiritual life.
- the fifth pillar of Islam is a pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Hijja; at least once in a lifetime a Muslim is expected to make a religious journey to Mecca and the Kaaba
- for a Muslim the hajj is the ultimate act of worship