A Muslim who has made the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca, often called the Hajj; a title of respect for such a person.
From Arabic 'ḥajji,' derived from 'ḥajja' meaning 'to make a pilgrimage.' The term entered English through Ottoman Turkish and other Islamic cultures' contact with European traders.
Over 2 million Muslims make the Hajj pilgrimage each year, and once they've completed it, they traditionally wear a green turban and become known as Hadji—it's one of Islam's five core pillars!
Hadji historically referred to male pilgrims to Mecca; the feminine form 'hadjja' exists but is far less commonly used in English, reflecting male-centered documentation of religious practice.
Use 'hadji/hadjja' with specified gender if relevant, or use 'hajji' (modern standard) to refer inclusively to pilgrims regardless of gender.
["hajji","Hajj pilgrim","person who has completed hajj"]
Women have performed hajj for centuries; recognition of 'hadjja' restores visibility to female pilgrims erased in Anglophone texts.
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