At Allah's command Ibrahim brought his wife Hajar and their infant son Isma'il to a dry valley at Makkah, with no water and no people. Leaving them some dates and a skin of water, he turned to go.
❝ Hadith
Hajar called after him: are you leaving us in this valley where there is no one? He did not answer. She asked: has Allah commanded you to do this? He said: yes. She said: then He will not let us perish.
Sahih al-Bukhari 3364 · Sahih
When he had gone far enough that they could no longer see him, Ibrahim raised his hands and prayed:
“Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.”
Surah Ibrahim 14:37
Translation: Saheeh International (QuranEnc)
Safa and Marwah
The water ran out and the child grew restless with thirst. Hajar climbed the hill of Safa looking for water, then ran down to Marwah — seven times. At last she heard a sound and saw water rising from the ground beside the child. That water is Zamzam. The Prophet ﷺ said this is why pilgrims walk between Safa and Marwah.
The dream
When Isma'il was old enough to walk with his father, Ibrahim saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his son. The dreams of prophets are true. He told his son, and the son replied:
“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allāh wills, of the steadfast."”
Surah As-Saffat 37:102
Translation: Saheeh International (QuranEnc)
When both had submitted to Allah's command, Allah called out that he had fulfilled the vision, and ransomed Isma'il with a great sacrifice.
The House of Allah
Later father and son raised the foundations of the Ka'bah together, praying as they worked:
“And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127
Translation: Saheeh International (QuranEnc)
The lesson Trust in Allah is not giving up effort — it is running as Hajar ran, then leaving the outcome to Allah.
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Sources and review
• Surah Ibrahim 14:35–41 • Surah As-Saffat 37:99–111 • Surah Al-Baqarah 2:124–129 • Bukhari 3364 — Sahih (al-Bukhari) Based on hadith graded sahih. Reviewed by: Md. Zubaer Ahammed · 2026-11-11 How we choose sources · Report a mistake