Zamzam water holds revered status as holy water in Islam. Sourced from the Zamzam well within Masjid-al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this well is positioned 20 meters east of the Al-Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. The history of Zamzam water is as intriguing as its numerous benefits, both underscoring its religious significance.
As narrated by Ibn ‘Abbaas, Prophet Ibrahim was instructed by Allah to relocate his wife, Hagar, and his son, Ismail, to Makkah, which was then a desolate land. Following divine orders, Prophet Ibrahim left his family with limited provisions and returned home. As time passed, their supplies dwindled, and Hagar, desperate to quench Ismail’s thirst, frantically searched for water. Running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, she repeated the journey seven times, a ritual integral to Umrah and Hajj. In her distress, Ismail kicked the ground, causing water to gush forth miraculously. This water, known as Zamzam, became revered as a blessed source of sustenance.
Another rendition of the story suggests that it was the angel Jibreel, sent by Allah, who kicked the ground to reveal the water source, rather than Ismail. Some narrations also elaborate that Hagar later regulated the flow of the fountain to form a well.
Scholars theorize that the revival of the Zamzam well occurred much later, attributed to Abdul-Muttalib, the paternal grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad. Inspired by recurring dreams of an everlasting spring in the desert, Abdul-Muttalib embarked on a quest to find it. After a diligent search, he rediscovered the well and was bestowed with the esteemed responsibility of providing Zamzam water to pilgrims. This event is commonly known as the renaissance of the sacred Zamzam well.
Across all versions and narratives of the Zamzam well’s history, one aspect remains consistent and uncontested: the profound religious significance of this sacred well and its divine water.
The miracle of the Zamzam well and its holy water are integral to Islamic history. Some renowned properties of Zamzam water include:
- Alleviating hunger pangs
- Enhancing eyesight and addressing eye-related issues when applied
- Reducing acidity
- Preventing dental caries
- Providing nourishment and promoting overall health
- Fulfilling the wishes and supplications of pilgrims
- Restoring damaged skin cells
- Strengthening the body’s immune system
In Arabic, Zamzam water is also known as ‘Murwiya,’ meaning quenched, and ‘Shabbaa,’ meaning satisfying. The Prophet emphasized that Zamzam water is not merely water but a nourishing food. Blessed by Allah, it is considered a remedy for all ailments. It is believed that if a person makes a wish after consuming Zamzam water entirely, their wish will be granted.
Five Intriguing Facts About Zamzam Water:
- Zamzam water is renowned for its purity, containing 366mg/1 of bi-carbonates, making it one of the purest waters on Earth.
- The Zamzam well extends 30 meters deep, with 13 meters filled with compressed sediments and 17 meters comprising igneous rock. Water seeps through hairline fractures in the rock, enriching it with beneficial minerals.
- Despite having no color or smell, Zamzam water boasts a distinctive taste.
- Zamzam water is believed to possess healing properties due to its high content of calcium and magnesium salts.
- Drinking Zamzam water is thought to enhance the body’s immunity.
Pilgrims journey to Makkah from across the globe for Hajj, where drinking Zamzam water is a pivotal ritual. Renowned for its health benefits, pilgrims often collect it in containers to take home as a cherished souvenir. Considered one of the finest gifts from Saudi Arabia, Zamzam water is prized for its rich calcium content and distinct taste. It’s readily available for purchase at traditional souks in Makkah or Madinah, allowing Muslims to bring a piece of their pilgrimage back with them.
During Hajj, pilgrims not only consume the holy water but also utilize it for purification rituals. Bringing back Zamzam water for their loved ones is a common practice among pilgrims. Due to its healing properties and unique composition, the sacred well remains a symbol of profound religious significance for Muslims.
