Our history begins and ends with knowledge of self

“No burdened soul will bear the burden of another: even if a heavily laden soul should cry for help, none of its load will be carried, not even by a close relative.” — Qur’an 35:18

This Qur’an verse reminds us that we can’t expect others to take on our personal tests and trials. Centuries ago a black woman carried her own burden with resilience against bleak odds while impacting the course of humanity through her faith in God. The African-American Muslim community can draw many lessons from her because she can be seen as someone who defined humility and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

The history of Islam can be traced to Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, and his wife, Hajar. Hajar was a Black woman of Nubian descent and formerly a slave. Her role in the three major faiths is of profound significance to the world at large.

According to Islam, after the birth of their son, Ismail, Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God to take Hajar and Ismail to a barren land in the desert to what is known as presentday Mecca and to leave them. As Hajar was a new mother, she was concerned with his decision and asked repeatedly why he was leaving them. When he didn’t answer she asked him if God told him to do this and Ibrahim replied yes. Upon hearing this answer she was at once at ease because she knew God would not let them perish.

The baby’s thirst began to worry Hajar, so she began to search for water. It was an isolated, dry desert area with no foliage or water in sight. After several trips back and forth, when she returned to her child she was amazed to find water bubbling from beneath his feet. Some Islamic historians have related that the Angel Gabriel struck the ground with his heel causing the water to flow. Today this water still flows from what is called the well of Zamzam. Over time this valley would become the site where the Kaba would be built by Ibrahim and Ismail.

Hajar’s experience is recounted every year when millions of Muslims perform hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. The rites of hajj involve walking or trotting between two significant mountains known as Safar and Marwa for a total of seven laps. This reenacts Hajar’s search for water for her baby.

Three significant lessons can be derived from Hajar’s ordeal.

Firstly, she relied on her Lord to provide for her and Ismail. She believed that God was just and that He would not abandon her because she was a woman of faith. Secondly, she knew that her survival was dependent upon her being purposeful in her search for sustenance that could be found in God’s creation. Even though it was apparent that she was in an area that was devoid of food or water, she understood that her Lord would be with her every step of the way as she pushed to find what may have been hidden. And thirdly she didn’t fall into despair and bemoan her circumstance. Rather, she used her intellect to plot out a strategy that would

benefit both her and her child with the hope that her Lord would make a way for them. That is faith. After pure determination and belief, God gave her what she needed and put her heart at ease.

African-American history goes beyond one month. Our history begins and ends with knowledge of self and the understanding that our circumstances do not have to define us.

Faith matters when we realize that our individual burdens are tests of faith in God’s will. Hajar was a Black woman of faith who used her lessons to survive.