HAAJAR'S TEST

Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah . So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs 'umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing. -Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 158 REFLECTING OVER THE STORY OF OUR MOTHER HAAJAR. Many orienalists and modern Muslims criticise the decision of Ibrahim AS to leave Haajar and his infant son in the desert. These individuals fail to grasp the Divine wisdom in such a decision, to Act in perfect obedience to the Will of Allah whether it makes sense to us or not. This is the test of submission.This was as much a test for Ebrahim As as it was for Haajar. In the home with Sarah AS and Ibrahim (As) she was the second wife. Did Allah chastise Sarah for resenting the young Haajar and her son? This was Sarah, wife of Ibrahim AS. One of the greatest women in history. Was she told that her feelings were unfounded and as the wife of a Nabi she should conduct herself differently? No, Allah decided the destiny of each of them and He is Most Compassionate , Most Wise. On her own, in the desert Allah would Test the faith and resolve of Haajar. This is where she would come into her own away from the influence of others. This is where Allah would test the choices Haajar would make all on her own when there was no husband to guide her and no society to watch her. As she watched her husband walk away, she ran after him, but the moment she realized that this was the decree of Allah, she became content in the knowledge that He would NEVER forsake her. That Allah would never burden a soul more than it can bear, that Allah would Never command anything except that there is goodness in it, even if it is not apparent at that precise moment. Haajar agreed to remain behind, alone in the desert for Allah's sake. Allah appreciates every effort done for His sake. Our mother Haajar did not allow her faith to waiver in the least. She could have made dua then sat and waited, but she understood that she needed to do her bit and make effort. She exerted herself, running up and down from Safaa to Marwa and back again. No one exerts themselves in such a manner unless they are certain that it will yield results.

Tawakkul means using every means, while the heart is content in the knowledge that Allah will grant relief. Allah does not disappoint the ones who put their trust in Him. For those who Trust in Allah, he Will provide relief from sources beyond belief. This relief came in the form of a spring that sprouted at the feet of Ismaeel AS. The waters gushed forth a welcome relief for the exhausted mother. A means of quenching their thirst, and attracting passing caravans to settle in the area honoring Haajar and her son as keepers of the sacred well. A symbol foretelling of a miracle to come that will quench humanity's thirst for guidance until the end of time.

Haajar had aced her test and honored her covenant to Allah. She put her trust entirely in Allah alone then she exerted herself in effort. She did what she had to do and the relief came. Even though the effort was in no way related to the relief. Allah does not need our efforts and Allah does not need any means. He provides for whomever He wills and there is none who can question Him. This effort of Haajar will be commemorated until the end of time. No person who wants to be complete Hajj or Umrah can do so without following in the blessed footsteps of Haajar AS. Allah does not allow the good deeds of any person to be in vain There is a lesson in this for us. Trust in Allah and sincere effort is the recipe that will get us through any test. A dedicated effort is a sign that we truly trust in a favorable outcome from Allah. Even if the relief is not related to the effort. Although the effort is necessary, the relief from Allah does not depend on on it. Relief can come from any source, known or unknown, expected or unexpected. The ultimate Decision lies with Allah Alone. O Allah grant us the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Haajar once again. Only You are aware of the burning desire and the yearning within our hearts to be close to you house once more. Grant us a way out of every difficulty and unite us with Your Close Ones on the Day of Qiyamah. Ameen ©️ The Millennial Muslimah