Etymology Map
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Hajj

2 stages from Arabic to English.

Today it means the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims make at least once if they can

Where does the word "hajj" come from? It comes from Arabic ḥajj, adopted directly into English (1700s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
ḥajj
Arabic · medieval
"pilgrimage"
pilgrimage; one of the Five Pillars of Islam
2
Stage 2 of 2
hajj
English · 1700s
"pilgrimage to Mecca"
travellers' accounts first described it; Richard Burton made the journey in disguise in 1853
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Read the full story

Hajj’s story begins in Arabic: ḥajj meant “pilgrimage.” Pilgrimage; one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It reached English by 1700s as hajj. Travellers' accounts first described it; Richard Burton made the journey in disguise in 1853. Today, hajj means the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims make at least once if they can.