khwaja

Khwaja (خواجه) is an honorific title used in Persian, Urdu, Turkish and related languages to denote a respected person—often a master, elder, or lord. The word originates from Persian khwāja, itself derived from Arabic and used across the Muslim world to honor scholars, merchants, landowners, and, especially, Sufi masters and saints.

In religious contexts, Khwaja is commonly attached to revered Sufi figures and teachers. In South Asia, the title is frequently associated with Sufi lineages and figures venerated by communities, notably Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, founder of the Chishti Order, and other saints who are addressed as Khwaja in local traditions.

In modern usage, Khwaja also appears as a personal name and surname. Spelling variants include Khwaja, Khwajah, Khawaja, and Khawjah, reflecting transliteration differences from Persian and Arabic. It is used in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Central Asia, and among diaspora communities. The term remains a general sign of respect as well as a hereditary or familial surname in some cases.