Zamzam (Arabic: زمزم) is a well located within the precinct of Masjid al-Haram near the Kaaba. The entrance to the well was closed in 2003, making it inaccessible to pilgrims, although Zamzam water can still be consumed via dispensers throughout the Haram.
History of Zamzam Water
The first instance of Allah’s test of Ibrahim (AS) led to the formation of the well of Zamzam. It all started when Ibrahim (AS) faced several hardships during his prophethood that today serve as teachings and reminders to humanity about faith, sacrifice, and loyalty to Allah (SWT), among other important Islamic principles. These trials include Ibrahim’s (AS) readiness to offer his son Ishaq (AS) as a sacrifice to Allah (SWT) and his test of abandoning his son Isma’il (AS) and wife Hajar in the Makkah desert – it is this test that provides the basis for Hajj as we know today.
Upon instructions from Allah (SWT), Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had to leave his wife Hajar and son Ismail (AS), with little food and provisions in the ancient Mecca desert. Once the provisions were over, Ismail (AS), an infant at that time started crying due to thirst. Hajar in search of water or someone to help fetch water ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah to no avail. Defeated, she cries out to God and on returning she notices Ismail (AS) striking and scraping the ground with his leg in distress, when suddenly a spring burst forth from the barren desert, thus saving both mother and child. This led to the formation of the well of Zamzam, a water source so deep in a barren desert that is still in use today.
On the site of Zam Zam well, Ibrahim (AS) was instructed by Allah to build the Kaaba – the sacred house now located in Masjid Al-Haram. After building the Kaba, Prophet Ibrahim would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son Isma’il (AS).
Benefits of Zamzam Water
There are certain perceived benefits of the blessed Zamzam water. Used in various religious rituals and ceremonies, drinking water from the Zamzam well has many spiritual and physical benefits.
- Zamzam water is unique in that it is free from bacteria and germs, making it the only known water source in the world to be completely free of contamination
- Zamzam water is not only used to quench thirst but it is also a well proven source of bodily nourishment
- Drinking water from the Zamzam well curbs hunger
- It fulfills the wishes and duas of pilgrims
Rules for Drinking Zamzam Water
Since the water from the Zamzam well is considered to be holy and pure, there are some rules for drinking Zamzam water.
- Face the kaaba while you are drinking the water
- Do not forget to say “Bismillah”
- Drink the water in three breaths, with a small pause each time
- Be seated while drinking Zamzam water
- Praise Allah (SWT) after finishing
Zamzam well – A part of the Hajj Pilgrimage
On the site of Zam Zam well, Ibrahim (AS) was instructed by Allah to build the Kaaba – the sacred house now located in Masjid Al-Haram. Prophet Ibrahim would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son Isma’il (AS).
Thousands of years passed, and the site that was built to commemorate the lessons of Ibrahim’s (AS) trial was taken over by pagan Arabs and the worship of idols and spirits. It became a hub for trade due to the water source of Zam Zam.
Thousands of years later, Prophet Muhammad was born in the Quraysh tribe of Makkah and was given a revelation and prophethood. As the last messenger of Allah (SWT), Muhammad (PBUH), established Islam in the land for mankind – with this came the commandment to restore the Kaaba to its original purpose and resume Hajj.
A visit to the well of Zamzam is now an essential part of the Hajj pilgrimage. During the Hajj, Muslims perform a ritual called the Tawaf, where they walk around the Kaaba seven times, drink water from the Zam Zam well, and pray.
Zamzam water is considered to be of utmost religious importance to Muslims all around the world. Its history dates back thousands of years. The Zamzam water is believed to be a symbol of purity that has both physical and spiritual benefits. In conclusion, it is clear that Zamzam water is an integral part of Islamic culture and holds a unique position in the beliefs and traditions of Muslims.
Sources: https://hajjumrahplanner.com/zamzam/ & https://www.umrahservices.in/blog/what-is-zamzam-water-history-benefits-and-everything-you-need-to-know/
This was the first Umrah for me, my wife and father. We went with a lot of prayers and hopes. Brother Ahmed and Sheikh Omar took very good care of us and were there every step of the way and we Inshallah had a very good Umrah and the best time ever of any trip so far! The learning was excellent! The price was right.