<![CDATA[This study explores the dual role of the honorific title “Haji” in the Sasak community of Kayangan, North Lombok, as both a marker of spiritual identity and an indicator of social stratification. While the Hajj pilgrimage is a fundamental obligation in Islam, the title “Haji” has evolved beyond its religious origins to symbolize prestige, authority, and social capital, often accessible mainly to individuals with substantial economic resources. Historically, the practice of Hajj labelling emerged in 17th-century Banten, was reinforced during the Dutch colonial period, and subsequently spread across Southeast Asia. Within the Sasak socio-cultural framework, the title functions not only as recognition of religious devotion but also as a strategic tool for shaping personal and collective identity, reinforcing hierarchical structures, and legitimizing political authority. For some community members, the decision to perform the pilgrimage is influenced not solely by spiritual aspirations but also by the pursuit of higher social standing and influence. This dual role generates a tension between maintaining the spiritual purity of the pilgrimage and accommodating its transformation into a socio-political instrument. The findings underscore the importance of critical reflection on how religious symbols are negotiated in everyday life when intertwined with economic capacity, prestige, and power relations in contemporary Muslim societies.]]>
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