An Example of Noble Character

WOMEN OF PARADISE One of the rituals of Hajj is known as Sa’i, performed between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which are approximately 395 meters apart. In addition to those performing Hajj, Muslims from around the world who come for Umrah also perform this ritual after Tawaf (the circumambulation of the Kaaba). Thus, the practice of Sa’i continues throughout the year. What is this Sa’i that Muslims, young and old, faithfully perform? It is a reenactment of the steps taken by Hajar. When Prophet Abraham left Hajar and her infant son in the desert near Makkah, they had only a small pouch of water. When it ran dry, she ran back and forth between the two hills seven times in search of water. This running became part of her great sacrifice. God valued her act so highly that He made it an essential rite of Hajj—obligatory for all Muslims to follow her footsteps during both Hajj and Umrah. Through Hajar’s sacrifice, a new chapter in history began. She laid the foundation for what would become one of the greatest transformations in human civilization. In that sense, she holds the status of a founder of revolution in human history. It was through this sacrifice that all people were commanded to follow her example. After the time of Adam—the first human being and the first prophet—people continued to follow the path of monotheism for a long period. Over time, however, awareness of the concept of monotheism began to fade. As a result, polytheism gradually spread and became part of the cultural landscape.