In the month Muslims all over the world celebrated Eid ul Adha, also known as Eid of sacrifice, we present the third in our series of blogs on sacrifice and what it really means to followers of the Islamic faith.
Sameen Rashid Chaudhary, Surbiton
‘Our Lord, I have settled some of my children in an uncultivable valley near Thy Sacred House — our Lord — that they may observe Prayer. So make men’s hearts incline towards them and provide them with fruits, that they may be thankful.’ (Holy Qur’an 14:38)
Her sacrifice began when she was given in marriage to a man who was from afar. A man who had reached senior years and yet had no child. A man who already had a wife. Leaving behind the land of many deities, of pharaohs and their immense power, she began a new life with a man of the One Unseen God. Allah blessed her union with a child, who was also a Prophet of God.
Her sacrifice continued when he led her far from their home and left her in the desert. Alone. With just some provisions and her small child. With no explanation, he walked away. She called to him, but he did not answer. She did not know what she was there for, or why he was leaving them, or when he would return, if ever. She asked him, taking a few steps towards him as he continued to put distance between them. But Allah rewarded her with the understanding that it was Allah’s choice. And so, she asked him if this is what he had been told to do by God. He affirmed it was. And with a prayer, he left his wife and beloved son near the Sacred House and walked on.
Under the cold night sky, and the blazing hot sun of the desert, she raised her child. The provisions soon ran out. Who knows how many times she wanted to take a sip of water but sacrificed quenching her own thirst for her son who was parched? And then the pinnacle of her sacrifice was about to dawn on her. With no water, the child fell ill. She watched him wriggle and writhe. She ran here and there. And that is when she ascended both mounts in search of Allah’s mercy. She climbed higher and higher until she reached the peak of the two mounts, until she reached the peak of her desperation, until she reached the peak of her worship and prayer, an act that all Muslims, male or female copy as part of the holy Pilgrimage, Hajj. She begged Allah to help, looking all around for a sign. Lo and Behold! She was rewarded with a spring of fresh water at her son’s feet. Allah’s grace was with her son all along, and it flows to this day.
Her sacrifice went on with her spirit of sharing this rare and precious commodity in the middle of the Arabian arid desert. Her quick mind worked to build a sort of reservoir or basin to contain this wonderful bounty, Zam Zam, named after the words she uttered. News spread of the well and tribes came to settle in Makkah. They asked her permission, which she gave in exchange for provisions and for her son to be chief when he reached maturity. And so, her sacrifice was rewarded. She was no longer alone in that vast expanse. Over time, the place near the Sacred House became populated, and became the foundation of the bustling town of Makkah, a foundation which she in part laid.
When we think of the story of Eid ul Adha we think of the unwavering faith and resolve, and the spirit of sacrifice of Father and Son: Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael (peace be on them). But no doubt this pious woman too was important in raising a pious child who followed his father’s conviction.
Her sacrifice was in some ways like many wives and mothers. Sometimes quiet and sometimes obvious. Sometimes in the everyday small things, and sometimes greater. But so great were her sacrifices that they have stood the test of time, much like the Pyramids of the land where she once lived. Her story, her person, her sacrifices were so immense they made her an important and lasting figure in history. Her faith and love for Allah, her role in the upbringing of a Prophet, in the shaping of the Pilgrimage rites and in the foundations of Makkah; Hazrat Hajira is an example for all. In fact the Prophet of Islam acknowledged her saying, “On account of our mother Hagar (who was Egyptian), the people of Egypt possess a distinct right upon you”.[1]
Her level of prayer, devotion and spirit of sacrifice is such an inspiration for me personally and I am sure for others as well. So much can be learnt from her, and the way Allah answered her prayers. Based on her conviction that “God will not waste us”, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) said:
“Her belief and conviction in God was resolute. And so she was able to utter these resounding words. Upon hearing her words, which surely reached the Throne of the Almighty, God responded by saying that He would surely never let them go to waste. And just as was expected, God rewarded them immensely. It was from their progeny that the Seal of Prophets the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) came. Abraham (as) became father of spirituality and it is through his example and the standard set by him that one is able to reach God. God brought the entire world to the feet of the progeny of Ishmael (as) through the Holy Prophet (sa). The sacrifices of Hajra (as) are commemorated by millions upon millions who flock to perform Umrah and Hajj.”[2]
May Allah reward Hazrat Hajira and accept her sacrifices. Ameen
[1] Sahih Bukhari quoted in The life and character of the Seal of the Prophets Vol 1 Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad p90
[2] https://www.reviewofreligions.org/23982/eid-ul-adha-sermon-summary-31st-july-2020-establishing-the-true-spirit-of-sacrifice/
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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