HIJERA Meaning and
Definition
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Hijra, also spelled as Hijira or Hijrah, is a term derived from Arabic that refers to a third-gender or transgender community in South Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The term has roots in Islamic history and culture, as it relates to the Holy Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, known as the Hijra.
In the South Asian context, Hijras are individuals who do not conform to typical binary gender identities of male or female. They may be born biologically male, but they identify and express themselves outside of societal gender norms, often taking up feminine gender roles, dress, and behavior. Hijras often form intimate communities and have unique cultural practices as well.
Engaging in various occupations such as performing at births, marriages, and blessings, Hijras have traditionally been involved in entertainment and ritualized activities. They have also faced marginalization, discrimination, and stigmatization in society, resulting in limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and legal rights.
Efforts have been made to recognize the rights and protect the welfare of Hijras in some South Asian countries. Legal recognition of a third gender category on official documents has been established in certain regions, although challenges in societal acceptance and implementation remain.
Hijra is a multifaceted term that encompasses the complexities of gender identity and expression within a specific cultural and historical context, reflecting the diversity of human experiences and identities.
Common Misspellings for HIJERA
- gijera
- bijera
- nijera
- jijera
- uijera
- yijera
- hujera
- hjjera
- hkjera
- hojera
- h9jera
- h8jera
- hihera
- hinera
- hikera
- hiiera
- hiuera
- hijwra
- hijsra
Etymology of HIJERA
The term "Hijera" (also spelled Hijra or Hijrah) originates from Arabic. In Arabic, "Hijrah" (هِجْرَة) means "migration" or "journey". The term has significant historical and religious connotations as it refers to the migration of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to the city of Medina in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In some South Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan, the word "Hijera" has come to refer to a distinct social and cultural group of transgender and intersex individuals. The Hijera community has a long history in the region, dating back centuries. While the precise etymology of the term within this community may vary, it is generally believed to be derived from the Arabic term due to the strong influence of Islam in the region.
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