HĀJAR‘S SACRIFICE AND PERSEVERANCE

 FAJR REMINDER: HĀJAR‘S SACRIFICE AND PERSEVERANCE

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 10, 1447 (27-May-2026)

Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) was eventually blessed with a child through his second wife, Hājar (‘Alayha Salām), after many years of waiting. The birth of Ismā'īl (‘Alayhi Salām) filled their hearts with immense joy and gratitude to Allāh for such a noble blessing. Yet, while they rejoiced, they had no idea that a great test was approaching—one that would require Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) to make a painful decision concerning his beloved family. What was this decision, and what would become of the innocent child resting in the arms of his caring mother, Hājar?

After some time, Sarah (‘Alayha Salām) became jealous of Hājar and Ismā'īl. By the Command and Permission of Allāh, Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) took Hājar and her infant son to the land of Hijaz—Makkah—a barren valley surrounded by mountains, with no people, vegetation, food, or water. It was a place with no visible sign of life. When they arrived there, Allāh commanded Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) to leave them behind and continue his journey alone. This was another tremendous trial for Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām).

This event clearly reflects the depth of Prophet Ibrāhīm’s Eemān and submission to Allāh. Imagine leaving one’s wife and only child in an empty desert where there was no human support or provision. He left them near the area of Zamzam, under the shade of a tree close to Safa and Marwa, with only a small amount of food and water. Indeed, this was a severe test for the household of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām).

When Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) began to depart, Hājar called out to him: “O Ibrāhīm! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no one nor is there anything else around (a barren land)?” She repeatedly asked (him), but he did not turn (to respond). She then asked him: “Did Allāh command you to do so?” He said: “Yes.” She said: “Then He will not leave us (to be lost).” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3364]

What remarkable faith Hājar possessed! The moment she realised it was a command from Allāh, her heart became content and steadfast. She understood that Allāh, Who commanded Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), would never abandon them without wisdom and mercy. Although she could not yet see the outcome, she trusted completely that whenever Allāh places His servants in a difficult situation, He also provides guidance and relief through it.

With a heavy heart, Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) continued his journey in obedience to his Lord. When he reached a distance where he could neither see them nor hear the cries of Ismā'īl, he turned towards the direction of the Ka'bah and sincerely supplicated to Allāh: “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (the Ka’bah at Makkah); in order, O our Lord, that they may perform Aṣ-Ṣalāt, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allāh) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.”

Allāhu Akbar! The story of Prophet Ibrāhīm’s family is filled with priceless lessons of faith, submission, sacrifice, patience, and love for Allāh.

‘Eid Mubārak! I beseech Allāh to accept our ‘Ibādāt, forgive our shortcomings, and bless us with peace, Barakah, good health, and steadfastness upon the truth. Aameen.