Hajj along with its historical background is replete with active and productive participation of women. Every Haji who comes to Makkah and performs Sa’ee between the hills of Safa and Marwa remembers the mother who around 4000 years ago had been running between those hills in search of water for her crying infant. That was none other than Hagar (or Hajira), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, whose willpower supported by her firm Faith in Allah, Tawakkul (entrust) and Perseverance has always been a great source of motivation and inspiration for believers.
She proved to the world that a believing woman is synonymous of strength and courage. When she understood that her beloved is leaving her and the infant in that burning desert with no sign of life or water anywhere only and only because of the command of Allah, she expressed her full trust in Him that He will protect her. But that trust did not make her to simply raise her hands and pray or to sit and cry holding the baby. She continued to do her part of efforts until she saw the Mercy from Heaven outburst and flow in front of the eyes.
In that way she became the symbol of Tawakkul and Perseverance while ZamZam water has become the symbol of the flow of Allah’s endless Mercy to the believers who keep striving at their best. She was able to achieve a respectable place in the sight of Allah and has been placed as an honourable, active and sacrificing mother in the minds of believers. As per the norms of even the post-modern world, she had all the reasons for being oppressed like being a woman, being dark in complexion, being an immigrant and being a slave. But she proved that none of these will make a mu’min’s prayers and perseverance go astray and diminish the status before Allah.
Another historical incident related to Hajj which is noteworthy due to women’s presence is the second Aqaba Treaty which took place during the 13th year of prophethood during Hajj days. In this treaty two women also participated along with those Hajis who had come from Yathrib, the present Madina. They were Nusaiba Bint Ka’ab from Najjar tribe and Asma Bint Amr from Banee Salama tribe. They could make it with men to go and meet Allah’s Rasool (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) during the third phase of the night secretly without the knowledge of others in the tent. And they also promised just as how the men did to the Prophet that they will protect him even at the risk of their own lives if he migrates to Madina. It was a brave step which proves the following ayah in the Noble Quran.
“The believers both men and women are allies of one another. They enjoin good, forbid evil, establish prayer, pay Zakath and obey Allah and His Messenger. Surely Allah will show Mercy to them. Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” Qur’an 9: 71
We see the fulfilment of their pledge to the Prophet in this treaty during the Battle of Uhud. Nusaiba Bint Ka’ab, the more widely recognised and known as Ummu Ammara, rushed to the battlefield when she heard the news of the Prophet having been killed in the battle. She protected Rasool (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) in that battle in every sense. As many as 12 arrows which targeted the Prophet were received by her body. It shows to what extent a Muslim woman can contribute to the socio-political activities in the country.
Just as men, we see the overflow of women also, during every Hajj and the number keeps increasing year by year. There is no restriction on women for this even during her menstrual periods. Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) got her periods during Hajjatul Wida’ (the Farewell Hajj). But Rasool (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) did not prohibit her from entering into Ihram. The Prophet said as a reply to Aisha’s query that Hajj for women is equal to the military service that men do for the sake of enjoining good. We also see many women (natives and foreigners) doing Hajj volunteer service as serving Hajis is considered a highly rewarding activity.
One of the main points of concern in the well-known Farewell Sermon of the Blessed Prophet during his Hajj was about protecting women’s rights.
“Oh people, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.”
This is one of the great messages that each Hajj season gives to the world.