HEDJAZ Meaning and
Definition
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Hedjaz, also spelled as Hejaz or Hijaz, is a historical region located in the western part of modern-day Saudi Arabia. The term specifically refers to the area along the eastern coast of the Red Sea, stretching from the Gulf of Aqaba in the north to Asir region in the south. Hedjaz is considered a significant region due to its cultural, historical, and religious importance.
Historically, Hedjaz holds immense significance for Muslims as it encompasses the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and houses the Kaaba, which is the central focal point of Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj). Medina, on the other hand, gained prominence as the city to which Prophet Muhammad migrated and established the first Islamic state.
Apart from its religious importance, Hedjaz has been a historical crossroads for trade routes linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has witnessed migrating tribes, pilgrims, and traders passing through its lands, leaving their cultural imprints over the centuries. Hedjaz was also a part of the Ottoman Empire until the early 20th century when it was occupied by the forces of the Hashemite Kingdom of Hejaz, led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali.
Today, Hedjaz remains a significant region both in terms of its religious significance as the spiritual heart of Islam and its cultural heritage. It attracts millions of Muslims from around the world who come to perform Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, reinforcing its role as a focal point for Islamic faith.
Common Misspellings for HEDJAZ
- hejjaz
- gedjaz
- bedjaz
- nedjaz
- jedjaz
- uedjaz
- yedjaz
- hwdjaz
- hsdjaz
- hddjaz
- hrdjaz
- h4djaz
- h3djaz
- hexjaz
- hecjaz
- hefjaz
- hedhaz
- hednaz
- hedmaz
- hedkaz
Etymology of HEDJAZ
The word "Hedjaz" has its origins in the Arabic language. It is derived from the Arabic term "al-Ḥijāz" الحجاز, which means "the frontier" or "the barrier". In Arabic, "Ḥijāz" may also refer to the area between two boundaries or the borderland along a straight path. The term is also associated with the concept of pilgrimage, as it is the region where the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina are located. Therefore, the word "Hedjaz" became commonly used to refer to the region of western Saudi Arabia where these cities are situated.
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