Hajar

Hajar, sometimes spelled Hajjar or Al-Hajar, is a term rooted in Arabic and used to denote stone or rock. It also refers to several distinct concepts in geography, history, and personal naming.

Geographically, the Hajar Mountains (Jebel al-Ḥajar) are a prominent range that runs along the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, crossing northern Oman and extending into the United Arab Emirates. The range forms a natural barrier between the interior and the Gulf of Oman. Its notable peaks include Jebel Shams, the highest point at about 3,000 meters, and Jebel Akhdar, known as the Green Mountain. The mountains contain deep canyons such as Wadi Ghul, often described as the Grand Canyon of Oman. Geologically, the region hosts the Oman ophiolite, a classic exposure of oceanic crust that has been emplaced onto the continent during the closure of the Tethys Ocean.

Historically and culturally, Hajar also appears in Islamic and Arabic traditions as the name of Hagar (Hajar), the wife of Ibrahim (Abraham) and mother of Ishmael. Her story is associated with themes of faith and perseverance and is linked to the Zamzam well in some traditions.

In contemporary use, Hajar is a common given name in Arabic-speaking communities and is used by people across the Muslim world. The term also appears in toponyms and cultural references related to the region surrounding the eastern Arabian Peninsula.