Hijjah
/hɪdʒˈdʒɑː/noun
The twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which the annual Hajj pilgrimage takes place.
Did you know?The name is linked to the Arabic root ḥ-j-j, associated with pilgrimage, while the word Hajj itself refers specifically to the pilgrimage to Mecca performed during this month.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ḥ-j-j
“A reconstructed root associated with making a journey or pilgrimage and, in related senses, presenting an argument or proof.”
Pre-Islamic Arabic
Arabic
ḥijja
“A pilgrimage season or sacred pilgrimage period.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
Ḏū al-Ḥijja
“The month associated with pilgrimage; literally, “possessor of the pilgrimage.””
7th Century
Arabic
Ḏū al-Ḥijja
“The twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, established within the religious calendar of Islam.”
19th–20th Century
English
Dhu al-Hijjah / Dhul Hijjah / Hijjah
“English transliterations for the Islamic month in which the Hajj takes place.”
Modern English
English
Hijjah
“A recognized English transliteration referring to the final month of the Islamic lunar year.”