Pronunciation: [hˈɛd͡ʒaz] (IPA) 
The word "Hejaz" refers to the western region of Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea. Its spelling is pronounced as /hɛ-ˈdʒɑz/. The "h" sound is a voiceless glottal fricative, close to the "h" in "hello." The "e" is pronounced as the short "e" sound in "bet." The "j" is pronounced as a voiced palatal fricative, like the "s" in "measure." The "a" sound is pronounced as the broad "a" in "father," and the "z" is a voiced alveolar fricative.
Hejaz is a region located in the western part of Saudi Arabia, specifically the northwest area along the coast of the Red Sea. This historic region is of significant cultural, religious, and geopolitical importance.
Hejaz is renowned for being the birthplace of Islam, as it is home to two of the holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and serves as the destination for millions of Muslims worldwide who undertake the annual pilgrimage or Hajj. Medina is the city where the Prophet Muhammad migrated and established the first Islamic state. These two cities draw millions of pilgrims each year, making Hejaz a center for Islamic worship and spirituality.
Geographically, Hejaz is characterized by its diverse landscapes, ranging from coastal plains to the steep mountains of the Sarawat range. The region is known for its desert environment, with dry and arid climates prevailing throughout.
Historically, Hejaz has been a crucial crossroad for trade and cultural exchange, connecting the Arabian Peninsula with other regions. It has witnessed numerous empires and civilizations, including the ancient Nabateans, Romans, and Ottomans. Its strategic location has made Hejaz a focal point for political and economic activities in the Arabian Peninsula.
Overall, Hejaz holds great significance for Muslims globally due to its association with Islamic history and its religious sites. Its cultural and historical heritage, combined with its religious importance, makes Hejaz a region of immense value in the Islamic world.
The word "Hejaz" is derived from the Arabic word "Ḥiǧāz", which means "barrier" or "obstacle". The term originally referred to the mountainous region in Western Arabia that acts as a natural barrier between the coastal plain and the arid desert. The name likely stemmed from the geographical features of the area. Today, Hejaz specifically denotes the western region of Saudi Arabia, where the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina are located.
