Hajjam
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (5,600,000) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| • India • Pakistan | |
| Languages | |
| • Urdu • Hindi • Punjabi | |
| Religion | |
| • Islam 100% | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| • Saifi • Shaikh |
Hajjam, alternately pronounced and spelled as Hajaam or Hajam, are an ethnic group found in North India and Pakistan. In Pakistan, they are settled in Sindh and Punjab provinces. The word Hajaam is derived from the Urdu word Hajaamat which in Urdu means barber and hairdresser. They are also known as the Khalifa and in Uttar Pradesh as the Salamani.
Most Hajjams are Muslims. They are considered an economically backward community in India, concentrated in North India. They are also found in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan.
Their traditional occupation has been that of a barber and hairdresser. The word "Hajaam" is derived from the Urdu word "Hajaam" (barber), itself coming from the Arabic word hijama. Most Hajjams are Sunni Muslims, although there is a small minority, particularly in the Awadh region who are Shia. They claim descent from the Prophet Soloman or Sulaiman, and often call themselves Salmani. Historically, they have been concentrated in the Awadh region, but are found throughout North India and in Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan.
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