Hagar’s Elevated Status in Islam Through the Hajj Pilgrimage

In the Torah, God established a covenant with Abraham, promising that he would be a source of blessings for all people on Earth. Abraham was not only destined to be the biological father of many nations but also the spiritual leader of mankind.

Mysteriously, the name of Hagar and her miraculous well are not mentioned in the Quran, even though they are described in the Torah.

She is not included among the Jewish matriarchs.

According to certain beliefs in Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage elevates Hagar's status as the mother of many nations and a matriarch, even though she is an obscure figure in the Quran.Can you provide further clarification or explanation for this perspective?

The belief that the Hajj pilgrimage in Islam elevates Hagar's status as the mother of many nations and the matriarch is rooted in the Islamic narrative and the rituals associated with Hajj. According to Islamic tradition, after Hagar and her infant son Ishmael were left in the desert by Abraham, they faced extreme hardship. In their desperate search for water, Hagar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. It is believed that during this search, an angel appeared and caused a well, known as the Zamzam well, to spring forth.

During the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the key rituals is the Sa'i, which is the reenactment of Hagar's search for water. Pilgrims walk or run seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as a commemoration of Hagar's struggle and faith. This act is considered an integral part of the pilgrimage, symbolizing the endurance, perseverance, and trust in God exhibited by Hagar.

By including this ritual in Hajj, Islam emphasizes the importance of Hagar's role and elevates her status as a significant figure. The act of performing Sa'i acknowledges her faith and struggle, and it serves as a reminder of her connection to the origins of the Islamic faith. This elevates Hagar's status as the mother of many nations and the matriarch in Islam.

In this viewpoint, Hagar is seen as a symbol of strength, resilience, and devotion, and her story is celebrated as a testament to the power of faith and trust in God. The inclusion of the Sa'i ritual in Hajj reinforces this belief and highlights Hagar's significance as the mother of many nations and the matriarch in Islamic tradition.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, located in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the five basic acts of worship that are considered the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice. The Hajj pilgrimage is mandatory for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime.

Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically between the 8th and the 12th days. During the pilgrimage, Muslims perform a series of rituals that include:

1. Ihram: Donning a special white garment that symbolizes purity and equality before God.

2. Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building at the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, seven times in a counterclockwise direction.

3. Sa'i: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, just as Hagar did in search of water for her infant son Ishmael.

4. Standing at Arafat: Spending the afternoon at the plain of Arafat, praying and reflecting. This is considered the climax of the Hajj.

5. Muzdalifah: Collecting pebbles at Muzdalifah to be used in the ritual of the stoning of the devil.

6. Ramy al-Jamarat: Throwing the collected pebbles at three pillars in Mina, symbolizing the rejection of evil.

7. Sacrifice: Performing the sacrifice of an animal (usually a sheep, goat, or cow), commemorating the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God.

8. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Another circumambulation of the Kaaba, which signifies the completion of Hajj.

9. Shaving/Cutting Hair: Men typically shave their heads or cut a portion of their hair, and women cut a small portion of their hair, symbolizing a new beginning.

These rituals are deeply symbolic and are meant to demonstrate the unity of the Muslim Ummah (community) and their submission to Allah.