kept asking, “O Jibrīl! Have we reached our destination?” Jibrīl would reply, “O prophet of Allah! Not yet.”

Their journey continued until they reached a valley with no water, no food, and not a sign of life—not even a bird could be seen. There was just a small mound. What was this place? This is the place that went on to be known as Mecca. What was that small mound? That marks the place where the Kaʿba stands today.

Jibrīl then exclaimed, “O prophet of Allah! This is the place!” Ibrāhīm      عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلاَم got down from his mount, sat his son and wife down, placed a small amount of water and a few dates beside them—and then turned to leave!

Lady Hājira followed behind and asked, “O prophet of Allah! Who are you leaving us with?” He remained silent. She asked again, and again he remained silent. She then changed her question ever so slightly and inquired, آللہُ اَمَرَکَ بِہٰذَا – “Has Allah commanded you to do this?” To this, Prophet Ibrāhīm عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلاَم replied, “Indeed, this is Allah’s command.”

Now, behold Lady Hājira’s level of belief! In this lifeless valley—no water, no food, no people, not even birds—and with a baby in her arms, she calmly and confidently said: اِذًا لَا یُضَیِّعُنَا اللہُ — “Then Allah will not let us go to waste.”^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers! This is something to truly reflect upon. It's a barren land—there's no sign of life for miles. Outwardly, there is nothing there!

Yet, she had firm belief in Allah and knew He is our merciful and mighty Lord.