The Mothers of the Believers have always been an example for all of us to emulate. Hajar رضیاللہعنھاthe mother of Prophet Ismaelعلیہ السلامwas one such lady. Hajar رضیاللہعنھاalong with her husband, Prophet Ibraheemعلیہ السلامpledged allegiance to the one God and raised their own status by making a declaration:
قُلْإِنَّصَلَاتِىوَنُسُكِىوَمَحْيَاىَوَمَمَاتِىلِلَّهِرَبِّٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
My Salah, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah; the Lord of the universe.
She dedicated her life to the will of Allah. Hajar رضیاللہعنھاlived her life following the commands of Allah. She led a God-centred life. It was this very faith that kept her gratified when she questioned her husband as to why he was leaving her and their new born child behind in the barren desert. It was indeed this confidence that gave her the courage to satisfactorily pronounce that if it was the will of Allah, He would do them no harm.
Following her footsteps, we realise that our lives are self-centred. Allah’s laws, Allah’s pleasure and Allah’s commandments have become secondary to our self-centred wishes. Lies, betrayal, pride, boastfulness among others have become an indispensable part of our lives. What we need is a transformation from this self-centred life to a God-centred life.
Secondly, Hajar رضیاللہعنھاtaught us that having complete faith in Allah isn’t adequate. We have to strive and put in manual efforts for a substantial living. She indoctrinated that the toil we must undergo for our own children shouldn’t be lesser than undulating between two hillocks for seven times. If at all we take Hajar رضیاللہعنھاas an example for ourselves, we must remember to do the best in our capacity for our dear children. We must provide them with the best education, a healthy and nutritious lifestyle, protect them at all times and also provide guidance to them throughout their lives.
Thirdly, we know that Hajarرضیاللہعنھاhad the ZamZam. She declared that the tribe of Banu Jurhum can conveniently use the water, but she will have the supreme authority over it. This incident from Hajar’s رضیاللہعنھاlife illuminates upon the notion that when we are in a position of power, we ought to take decisions for the welfare of Islam. Our pronouncements must prove to be beneficial for Islam. If they are to be organisational ones, we mustn’t exhibit favouritism nor must we take undue advantage of our humble associates. If within our homes, we must very felicitously set boundaries and clear notifications as to what is allowed and what isn’t.
The fourth lesson we learn from Hajraرضیاللہعنھاthat we have to strengthen our economic situation. Hajraرضیاللہعنھاtraded foodgrains for the water that she possessed. She initiated a business in that barren desert. We, as educated women of the modern era, have an overabundance of talent and aptitude at our disposal. We can empower the Muslims in both financial and educational fields. What we need to realise is that the Ummah needs us. We cannot and should not ease upon this situation. We can bring about this change.
Lastly, we all have atleast one Ismael علیہ السلام in our homes. Can’t his nurturing be done in such a way that his progeny is called the Banu Ismael? Can’t we produce leaders for the Ummah? The mother in us must comprehend that our sons should be as witty as Ismael علیہ السلامwhen he hinted his father to cover up his eyes before the slaughter and they must equally be as considerate and forbearing as Ismaelعلیہ السلامwhen he assures his father that he needn’t worry, his sonwould be patient.It is our duty to raise such leaders for the Muslim Ummah.
Even after over four thousand years of Hajar رضیاللہعنھاwe can still admire her and take lessons from her life.
[Dr Amna Shabi is BHMS from Pune and Social Mediaand English Print Media In-charge of Ladies Wing, JIH Maharashtra]