The well of Zamzam is one of the holiest objects in Islam. For centuries, it has been used for drinking by billions of Muslims, particularly during the pilgrimage of Hajj. Islamic history suggests that the water of Zamzam is a miracle in itself. The well is located 20 meters east of the Holy Kaaba and is 35 meters deep and capped by an elegant and striking dome that signifies its elegance.
The Creation of the Zamzam Well
All the Islamic schools of thought agree that Allah created the Zamzam Well to provide water to the wife of Prophet Ibraheem (AS), Bibi Hajira and her baby (Prophet Ismaeel AS) in the hot and dry valley of Makkah at that time. In 2000 BC, the wife of the Prophet Ibraheem, Bibi Hajira ran seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa in the intolerable heat to fetch water for her son who was dying of thirst. (Muslims perform the same act of ‘Saee’ during the pilgrimage of Hajj as an obligation for remembering the struggle of Bibi Hajira).
Simultaneously, she was keeping an eye on her son as well. She searched for water for a while, then she used to go back to check on her son. Allah saw her efforts and blessed them. At the feet of Prophet Ismaeel (AS), a water spring emerged miraculously, now known as Zamzam.
Before the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the emergence of the Zamzam Well started the settlement of the Makkan valley. It is also the valley where the offspring of Prophet Ismail (AS) populated the area, from whom the Prophet Muhhamd (PBUH) has descended in terms of lineage.
After the Time of Prophet Ismail
With the passage of time, the preaching of Prophet Ibraheem (AS) and Prophet Ismaeel (AS) which once ruled the area started fading away. Their message of believing in the oneness of Allah became less popular and the old polytheistic beliefs started gaining popularity.
However in later times, the significance of Zamzam Well was still retained. The responsibility of taking care of the Zamzam Well and the pilgrims to Makkah was designated to the grandfather of the Holy Prophet(P.B.U.H), Abdul Muttalib.
Miracles of Zamzam Water
The Last Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness.” Here are some miracles of Zamzam water:
Satisfies both Thirst and Hunger:
The Zamzam water not only quenches thirst, but it also satisfies hunger. This is one of the most major miracles of the water. It was called as “Shabbaa’ah” (satisfying) by one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as it was filling and assisted them in nourishing their families. Various collections of Hadith confirm that when he first arrived in Makkah, in the early days of the establishment of Islam, he not only satisfied his thirst and hunger with Zamzam water, but he also survived on it alone, for one complete month.
In recent years, scientists have carried out numerous researches on water and have found out that it has higher levels of calcium and its concoction consists of certain minerals and components which makes the water healthier.Cures Sickness:
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that Zamzam water helps cure sickness. Many of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims collect water of Zamzam water for their ill relatives back home. Islamic history and scientific theories suggest that water has a number of health benefits.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also used to sprinkle Zamzam water over the sick and ask them to drink the water. He also used to carry water in water skins and pitchers, back to Madinah.
Wahab Ibn Munabbah said: “’I swear by Him in whose possession my life is, Allah Ta’ala will relieve the person of all illnesses who drinks water to his fill and will also grant him good health.”
Cures Sickness
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that Zamzam water helps cure people’s sickness. Many of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims collect Zamzam water for their ill relatives back home. Islamic history and scientific theories suggest that water has a number of health benefits. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also used to sprinkle Zamzam water over the sick and ask them to drink the water. He also used to carry water in water skins and pitchers, back to Madinah.
Wahab Ibn Munabbah said: “’I swear by Him in whose possession my life is, Allah Ta’ala will relieve the person of all illnesses who drinks water to his fill and will also grant him good health.”
The Hajj pilgrimage and Zamzam Water:
It is recommended during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage to drink Zamzam water to quench their thirst during the pilgrimage. As a customary act, pilgrims collect water in bottles and distribute it among their friends and family members back home. And as such many governments have also relaxed their rules for pilgrims. For instance, US laws strictly forbid the import of liquids and fruits of any form, but in the case of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims are allowed to bring Zamzam water for their near and dear ones.
The Zamzam water is one the most fascinating objects in Islam. Drinking it can cure sickness, satisfy thirst and hunger and its importance is so much that the Prophet himself told us to use it. So during your Hajj and Umrah 2025, don’t forget to use and drink it to follow our Prophet’s words.
