Hajar and the Water in the Desert
Week 27 • Hajar and Zamzam • makkah
The Story
Long before Makkah became a great city, Hajar arrived in its dry valley with her baby, Ismail. Her husband, Prophet Ibrahim, had brought them there because Allah had commanded him. They had some dates and a bag of water. There was no water nearby to refill it.
Following Allah’s command, Ibrahim left Hajar and Ismail there. Hajar trusted that Allah would care for them. Ibrahim prayed for his family. For a while, Hajar drank from the water bag and fed her baby. Then the water ran out.
Hajar was thirsty. Her baby was thirsty too. She needed someone to help. Leaving Ismail in the valley, she climbed a nearby hill called Safa. From the top, she looked for people. No one. She hurried down and crossed to another hill, Marwa. Would she find help there?
From Marwa, Hajar looked again. Still no one. So she went back towards Safa, then across to Marwa again. Up on the hills, she searched for help. Down in the valley, she hurried. Seven times she crossed between the hills, still searching.
Then, near Ismail, water sprang from the ground! Allah had given them water. Now she could drink. Now she could feed her baby. This spring, where water comes up from underground, is called Zamzam.
People still drink Zamzam water today. They visit Makkah for Hajj and Umrah, special journeys to worship Allah. There, they walk seven times between Safa and Marwa. So many footsteps, remembering Hajar’s search for water and her trust in Allah.
Dua of the Week: A Qur’anic Dua for Mercy and Guidance
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
Rabbana atina min ladunka rahmatan wa hayyi’ lana min amrina rashada.
"Our Lord, give us mercy from You and guide us through what we face."
A prayer from the Qur’an (18:10), asking Allah for mercy and guidance. These are not words attributed to Hajar.
Family Discussion
Hajar kept looking for help, even when she couldn’t see anyone. What do you think helped her keep going?
Good Deed Challenge
Tomorrow, look for one small way to care for someone. Could you bring them water, help with something tricky, or ask if they’re okay?