Crossword Genius

Experienced judge required trip to holy place (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hadj

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'trip to holy place' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'experienced judge required' is the wordplay.
'experienced' becomes 'had' (have can mean to experience or go through).
'judge' becomes 'j' (abbreviation for judge).
'required' says to put letters next to each other.
'had'+'j'='HADJ'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hadj that I've seen before include "Once in a lifetime experience, perhaps" , "Muslim religious journey to Mecca" , "once-in-a-lifetime trip?" , "A pilgrimage to Mecca, duty of Muslims" , "Spiritual trip" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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