Hajar (Hagar)

Who was Hajar?

Hajar (Hagar) was the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim and the mother of the Prophet Ismail. Although she is not mentioned by name in the Quran, her story is preserved in detail in the authentic Sunnah, and her trust in Allah is honoured in one of the central rites of the Hajj performed by millions every year — the sa'i between Safa and Marwah.

Her Story

By Allah's command, Ibrahim brought Hajar and their infant son Ismail to the barren, uninhabited valley of Mecca and, in obedience to Allah, left them there with only a little food and water. As he departed, Hajar asked, "Has Allah commanded you to do this?" When he said yes, she replied with profound trust: "Then He will not abandon us." When their water ran out and the baby cried with thirst, Hajar ran back and forth between the two hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, searching desperately for help — and Allah caused the well of Zamzam to gush forth at the feet of the infant Ismail. This water sustained them, attracted travellers, and became the basis of the settlement of Mecca. Her run is re-enacted by every pilgrim in the rite of sa'i.

Her Place in the Hajj

• The Prophet ﷺ described her story in detail and said: "This is why people run between them [Safa and Marwah]" (Bukhari 3364).
• The well of Zamzam, still flowing today, is part of her legacy and the legacy of her son.

Her Virtues and Legacy

Hajar is the supreme example of tawakkul — total trust in Allah combined with active effort. She did not sit in despair but strove (running between the hills) while placing her reliance entirely in Allah, and He answered her with a miracle that endures to this day. Her words, "Then He will not abandon us," capture the heart of faith. Every pilgrim who performs sa'i follows in the footsteps of this devoted mother, honouring her trust and her struggle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do pilgrims run between Safa and Marwah?

The sa'i — walking briskly seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah — commemorates Hajar's desperate search for water for her infant son Ismail. Allah honoured her struggle and trust by making it a permanent rite of the Hajj and Umrah for all time.

Is Hajar mentioned in the Quran?

She is not mentioned by name in the Quran, but her story is established in detail in the authentic hadith, especially in Sahih al-Bukhari. The Quran refers to Ibrahim settling his offspring in the sacred valley (14:37), which relates to her story.