Hajj
/hædʒ/noun
The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to perform once in their lifetime.
Did you know?The Hajj is one of Islam’s Five Pillars, and its rites are traditionally connected with Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic (reconstructed)
Proto-Semitic
*ḥ-j-j
“A root associated with undertaking a pilgrimage or journey to a sacred destination”
7th Century
Quranic Arabic
ḥajj
“The prescribed pilgrimage to the sacred sanctuary at Mecca”
7th–8th Century
Classical Arabic
al-ḥajj
“The formal pilgrimage performed during the designated Islamic months”
Medieval Period
Arabic
ḥajj
“The pilgrimage to Mecca, including its prescribed rites”
17th Century
English
haj
“A pilgrimage to Mecca; an early English spelling”
Modern English
English
hajj
“The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca”