The Struggle for Survival: A Lesson from the Hadza Tribe

I recently watched a video about the Hadza people, a hunter-gatherer community living in the rugged landscapes of Tanzania. For thousands of years, their way of life has remained largely unchanged. Being among the last true hunter-gatherers on Earth, they rely entirely on nature for survival. In a world where food is readily available at the tap of a screen, their daily struggles serve as a powerful reminder of human resilience and our deep dependence on the natural world.

Seeing the incredible daily struggle of the Hadza tribe—how they hunt, gather, and endure daily hardships just to find food—serves as a great reminder for the rest of us. Their story forces us to reflect on our own lives, the conveniences we take for granted, and the profound gratitude we owe for our blessings.

[45:13] He committed in your service everything in the heavens and the earth; all from Him. These are proofs for people who reflect.

The Unrelenting Search for Food

For the Hadza, every day is a battle for nourishment. Unlike modern societies, where food is stored in refrigerators and supermarkets are always stocked, the Hadza must embark on long treks through the wilderness to find their next meal.

Men set out on extensive hunting expeditions, tracking animals for miles under the scorching sun. They traverse treacherous terrain, navigating dense forests and rocky hills with nothing but their handcrafted bows and arrows. This pursuit is not only exhausting but dangerous—scrapes, cuts, and injuries are inevitable in their rugged environment.

Women, on the other hand, take on the crucial task of foraging for edible plants, roots, and berries. Their deep knowledge of the land ensures a balanced diet for the tribe, but their work is just as physically demanding. There is no guarantee of a successful hunt or a fruitful gathering, making every meal an uncertain reward.

[7:10] We have established you on earth, and we have provided for you the means of support therein. Rarely are you appreciative.

Living in the Present: A Harsh Reality

The Hadza do not think about the future the way modern societies do. They do not store food in abundance or plan for retirement or long-term security. Their only concern is having enough food to survive another day. When the interviewer kept asking them about their thoughts regarding the distant future, they became annoyed as these questions were meaningless if they could not get enough nourishment to live another day.

This immediate struggle comes with a cost. In addition to the risk of being attacked by leopards, elephants, or other animals, the harsh living conditions they inhabit lead to high mortality rates. Injuries, infections, and food shortages can be fatal. Every day presents a new challenge, and the concept of leisure or long-term planning is almost nonexistent in their world.

While we meticulously plan our careers, investments, and vacations, the Hadza live moment to moment—reminding us how fragile and precious life truly is.

[11:6] There is not a creature on earth whose provision is not guaranteed by GOD. And He knows its course and its final destiny. All are recorded in a profound record.

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Climbing for Honey

One of the most fascinating aspects of Hadza life is their love for honey, a crucial source of sustenance. But acquiring it is no easy feat.

To collect honey, Hadza men must free climb towering trees to reach beehives hidden high in the branches. As they ascend, they endure relentless bee stings, suffering painful welts for the golden sweetness that awaits. Yet, despite the risks, they persist. Honey is one of their most treasured foods, offering much-needed energy and nutrition.

This dangerous pursuit showcases their bravery, resilience, and unwavering connection to nature. It is a striking contrast to our world, where a jar of honey is conveniently placed on a grocery store shelf, waiting to be purchased without effort or fear of bee stings.

[16:68] And your Lord inspired the bee: build homes in mountains and trees, and in (the hives) they build for you.
[16:69] Then eat from all the fruits, following the design of your Lord, precisely. From their bellies comes a drink of different colors, wherein there is healing for the people. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who reflect.

A Reflection on Our Comfort: Recognizing Our Blessings

The Hadza’s struggle for survival should make us pause and reflect on the immense ease we enjoy. Food, water, medicine, entertainment, light, and shelter—essentials they fight for daily—are available to us with minimal effort.

How often do we stop to appreciate the simple act of eating? How frequently do we reflect on the hands, labor, and sacrifice that bring food to our tables? In contrast to the Hadza, we are surrounded by abundance, yet gratitude often escapes us.

The Quran repeatedly reminds us of the blessings of sustenance and the importance of gratitude. One such verse states:

[80:24] Let the human consider his food!
[80:25] We pour the water generously.
[80:26] Then we split the soil open.
[80:27] We grow in it grains.
[80:28] Grapes and pasture.
[80:29] Olives and palms.
[80:30] A variety of orchards.
[80:31] Fruits and vegetables.
[80:32] To provide life support for you and your animals.

This passage highlights how food is a divine provision, not to be taken for granted. While the Hadza endure great hardship for every morsel, we are blessed with an abundance that should inspire deep appreciation.

Conclusion

The Hadza’s story is not just about survival—it is a lesson in resilience, dependence on nature, and the stark contrast between their world and ours and a glimpse of what life was like at one point for all of humanity. Their daily struggles illuminate the ease of our own lives, urging us to cultivate gratitude. If we fail to appreciate our blessings, the Quran reminds us that we may lose our comfort and abundance in order to relearn appreciation.

[16:112] GOD cites the example of a community that used to be secure and prosperous, with provisions coming to it from everywhere. But then, it turned unappreciative of GOD’s blessings. Consequently, GOD caused them to taste the hardships of starvation and insecurity. Such is the requital for what they did.

Let us not fall into the trap of heedlessness. Instead, let gratitude fill our hearts at all times. The next time we sit down for a meal, let us pause and reflect on how our ancestors once struggled for sustenance and how effortlessly we now enjoy these blessings. Let us recognize the countless favors God has bestowed upon us—the ease, the abundance, and the comfort we often take for granted. And above all, let us be truly thankful for the blessings we so easily overlook. Because for some, every meal is a battle. And for us, it is a gift from God.

[14:7] Your Lord has decreed: “The more you thank Me, the more I give you.” But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe.