Haji is an honorific title given to a Muslim person who has successfully completed the Hajj to Mecca. The Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime and is one of the five pillars of Islam. In Arab countries, ḥājj and ḥājjah is a commonly used manner of addressing any older person respectfully, regardless of whether or not the person in question has actually performed the pilgrimage. The title is prefixed to a persons name, for example, Saif Gani becomes "Hajji Saif Gani". In Malay-speaking countries, Haji and Hajah are titles given to Muslim males and females respectively who have performed the pilgrimage. In Iran, the honorific title Haj is sometimes used for IRGC commanders, instead of the title Sardar ("General"), such as for Qasem Soleimani. It is important to note that in the 21st century, American soldiers began using the term Haji as slang for Iraqis, Afghans, or Arab people in general, which is considered derogatory and offensive.