Al Salam Alaikum 🌱 

As we find ourselves in these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, I wanted to highlight a special and important lesson we can all learn from this sacred time that transforms how we approach our businesses and lives, in general.

In the heart of entrepreneurship lies a question every founder faces: What do you do when everything seems to be working against you?

Today, we turn to one of history’s most powerful examples of faith-driven action under impossible circumstances.

Though her name isn’t mentioned in the Noble Quran, Sayida Hajar’s actions echo through eternity.

Millions of Muslims worldwide follow in the footsteps of this breastfeeding mother during Hajj and Umrah.

What higher honor could there be than having your struggle become a pillar of worship for generations?

Sayida Hajar’s story isn’t just about surviving in a barren desert- it’s a masterclass in faith-first entrepreneurship that every business builder needs to understand and internalize.

✖️ The Impossible Situation

Picture this: You’re a new mother, breastfeeding your toddler son Ismael- a child given after years of patient waiting. You’re in the middle of a barren desert (the Kaaba was still not built and nothing like the developed Makkah we see today). Your husband leaves you there and walks away without explanation.

You call out: “Are you leaving us here" What are we supposed to do? Where are you going?”

Silence.

Finally, you ask the one question that changes everything: “Did Allah order you to do this?”

When Prophet Ibrahim replied “Yes,” Sayida Hajar’s response reveals the foundation of every successful faith-first entrepreneur:

🧠 The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Action

💨 Faith First, But Action Always:

When the water ran out Sayida Hajar didn’t just sit and pray for divine intervention. She looked around, spotted Mount Safa, and took action. She climbed to get a better view, searched for solutions, them moved to Mount Marwa and back again- seven times.

The Lesson: Faith without action is incomplete. Trust in Allah’s plan, but use the abilities He gave you to solve problems.

🔄 Process Over Instant Results:

Could Allah have provided Zamzam water immediately when Sayida Hajar declared her trust? Absolutely. But there’s wisdom in the seven attempts. Our victories often come not on the first try, but through persistent, faithful effort.

The Lesson: Don’t expect overnight success. Your “seventh" attempt” might be when breakthrough comes, but every earlier attempt builds the foundation.

🌱 Transform Work into Worship:

What started as a desperate search for water became a sacred ritual performed by millions. How? Through pure intention (niyyah) and unwavering trust in Allah’s timing and wisdom.

The Lesson: Every business action can become an act of worship when done with the right intention and full submission to Allah’s will.

🌪️ Building Unshakable Conviction

Sayida Hajar’s conviction didn’t waver during her seven attempts between Safa and Marwa.

Why?

Because as the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said:

Conviction isn’t built during crisis- it’s cultivated during calm and ease.

For Faith-First Entrepreneurs: Your yaqeen (certainty) in Allah’s support for your business isn’t developed during cash flow problems or market downturns. It’s built during profitable quarters, successful launches, and smooth operations.

Strengthen your relationship with Allah (SWT) during the good times, and He’ll strengthen you during the challenges and difficulties.

🧩 The Hajar Framework for Faith-First Entrepreneurs

This week, I invite you to go through seven days of practical exercises to embody Sayida Hajar’s entrepreneurial spirit in your business decisions and daily work.

🔍️ Day 1-2: Audit Your Intentions

List your top 5 business activities this week. For each one, write down:

• Your business intention

• How this could serve Allah’s pleasure

• One way to purify the intention

⛰️ Day 3-4: Identify Your “Safa”

What’s one major challenge in your business right now? Like Hajar looking towards Safa, identify:

• What “mountain” (perspective/solution) you need to climb

• What concrete action you can take this week

• One person who might have the expertise you need

🧱 Day 5-6: Practice “Conviction Building”

During this period of ease and success in your business:

• Spend 10 minutes each morning acknowledging Allah’s blessings in your work

• Make specific dua for guidance in one business decision

• Practice saying “Allah will not forsake me” about one area of concern

💭 Day 5: Reflect and Plan

Journal on:

• How has your relationship with Allah influenced your business decisions this week?

• What would change if you truly believed “work is worship”?

• What’s your “seventh attempt” that you need to keep pushing toward?

❓️ The Legacy Question

Sayida Hajar was a woman who did much and spoke little. Her background was humble, yet her actions continue until the end of time.

Ask yourself: What actions are you taking in your business today that could honor Allah and serve His creation for generations to come?

Remember, Sayida Hajar didn’t know her desperate search for water would become a pillar of Hajj and Ummrah. You don’t know which of your faithful business efforts will become a legacy that inshAllah outlasts you.

Eid Mubarak! May this blessed Eid Al-Adha bring you and your loved ones abundant joy, peace, and divine blessings 🕋 🤲 🐑 📿 

P.S. Share this newsletter with one entrepreneur who needs to hear Sayida Hajar’s story this week. Sometimes our “Zamzam” moment comes through encouraging others in their journey between Safa and Marwa.

🤲 Closing Dua

“May Allah grant us the conviction of Hajar, the wisdom to act in faith, and the persistence to reach our seventh attempt.”

Ameen