Hajar in Islam: Symbol of Patience and Trust in Allah

Hajar, wife of Prophet Ibrahim and mother of Prophet Ismail, peace be upon them, is a model of patience and trust in Allah. Her story was indirectly mentioned in the Holy Quran and detailed in the Biography of the Prophet, a vivid example of sacrifice and faith in Allah.

Hajar’s story

• Inflicted by being left in a non-transplanted valley
  Allah ordered Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to leave Hajar and their son Ismail in a barren valley with no water or plants, which later becomes Mecca. When she asked Ibrahim why, he told her it was Allah's command, and she said:
  “So Allah will not leave us.”
  This attitude shows her absolute confidence in Allah's mercy and ability.
  The Holy Quran states:
  “Our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley, near Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may establish prayer” (Ibrahim: 37)
• Sa'i (Her running back-and-forth) between Safa and Marwa
  When she ran out of water and food, Hajar began to run between the mountains of Safa and Marwa in search of water. In a moment of despair, Allah sent Gabriel (PBUH) to hit the Earth with his wings, springing Zamzam's water.
  This Sa'i became a rite of pilgrimage, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
  "This is the source of the tradition of the walking of people between them (i.e. Safa and Marwa)” (Sahih Bukhari: 3364)
• Raising Ismail  (PBUH)
  Hajar raised Ismail in this valley, and she was both the mother and the caregiver to him, which demonstrates her patience and her sole responsibility.

Hajar’s status in Islam

• Symbol of trust in Allah:
  Hajar was sure that Allah would not let her down. Allah allowed her to make Zamzam's water flow and continue until today.
• The Sa'i between Safa and Marwa in Hajj reminds Muslims of her patience and journey.
• Mother of Ismail, the  grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
  Hajar is the grandmother of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through her son Ismail (PBUH).

Lessons learned from her story

• Trusting Allah does not mean not working:
  Hajar did not sit waiting for a solution, but sought and made an effort despite the little resources she had.
• Patience during inflictions:
  Hajar lived under harsh conditions without complaining, demonstrating the strength of her faith.
• Responding to Allah's orders
  Hajar has confidently accepted Allah's command, setting an example for every Muslim.