Hajia

Hajia is an honorific title used for a Muslim woman who has completed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the fifth pillar of Islam. The title is the feminine form related to the masculine Haji or Hajji, and it derives from Arabic for someone who has performed the pilgrimage. Spelling variations include Hajjah, Hajia, and Alhaja in different languages and regions.

In everyday usage, Hajia precedes the woman’s name and signals that she has completed Hajj. The form is common in many Muslim-majority and Muslim-diaspora communities, including West Africa, the Horn of Africa, and South Asia. It is a social and honorable designation rather than a formal religious rank, and it is typically retained for life, though usage can vary by community and personal preference.

The title often carries social significance, marking piety, experience, or charitable involvement within a community. It can influence how individuals are addressed in everyday interactions, family settings, and social networks. As with other honorifics, its use depends on local customs and personal choice, and some people may prefer not to use it in certain contexts.

Related terms include Alhaji and Alhaja, used in parts of Africa for men and women who have completed Hajj, respectively. Hajia may also appear as part of a person’s given name in some naming traditions. While the title reflects a notable religious achievement, it is not a formal rank within Islam.