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Hajj 2027

Hajji, Hajjah, Hajiani and Alhaji: what they mean

A Hajji is someone who has performed Hajj. The Arabic word is ḥājj (حاجّ) for a man and ḥājjah (حاجّة) for a woman. In South Asian communities a woman is often called Hajiani, and in West Africa the titles Alhaji and Alhaja are common.

Last checked: November 2026. Written for pilgrims travelling from the UK.

TermUsed byMeaning
Ḥājj (حاجّ) / HajjiArabic; Hajji is the common English and Urdu formA man who has performed Hajj
Ḥājjah (حاجّة) / HajjahArabicA woman who has performed Hajj
Hajiani / HajjaniUrdu, Punjabi and other South Asian languagesA woman who has performed Hajj
Alhaji / AlhajaWest Africa, for example Nigeria and GhanaMan / woman who has performed Hajj, often used before the name
Ḥujjāj (حُجّاج)ArabicPilgrims (plural)

Is it a religious title?

It's a cultural custom, not a religious requirement. Many people use it as a mark of respect for older relatives who have performed Hajj; others prefer not to use it. Either is fine.