What Is Zamzam Water?

Zam Zam is the blessed water of this world. It is a blessing from Allah (SWT) bestowed upon us through Ismail (A.S.) and Hajar (A.S.) that will last forever. Prophet Muhammadﷺ described Zamzam water as "blessed" and "nourishing food."

Zam Zam Water Origin

The origin of Zam Zam water is in the Masjid Al-Haram. The center point is located 20 meters to the east of the Kaaba, in Wadi Ibrahim. The Zam Zam well was constructed and expanded by hand over years. Now it is about 30 m deep and 1.08 m to 2.66 m in diameter. As you explore the Zamzam well, you'll discover the fascinating hydrology that supports its significance. The well water comes from the loose sand and gravel above and the cracks in the solid rock below. The source of water is the absorbed rainfall in Wadi Ibrahim and runoff water from local hills.

You might be fascinated to learn that the water from the Zamzam well has been drawn using ropes and buckets, but since 1964, the well's opening has been placed in the basement room and made inaccessible to the common people. The King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Zam Zam water project in Kudai operates on Zam-Zam water that supplies water to two reservoirs. The one that is in Kudai supplies water to the Masjid Al-Haram connected via pipes, and the other, the King Abdulaziz reservoir in Madina, supplies water to Masjid-al-Nabwi.

History & Religious Significance

History

Let’s know more about the existence of Zamzam water; when we get to know it in detail, it increases our faith. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) obeyed Allah's command and left his wife, Hajar (A.S.), and their small son, Ismail (A.S.), alone in the barren land of Makkah. At that time, there was no house, no source of livelihood—just a vast, hot desert. With extreme hunger and thirst, Hajar (A.S.) ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah. She was running rigorously between the hills in search of water for her son Ismail (A.S.). He was crying with thirst and struck the ground with his heel. Then by the grace of Almighty Allah, a fountain started flowing beneath his heels.

Hajar (A.S.) said, "Zam Zam," which in Arabic means "stop-stop"; like this, the water stopped flowing away, and thus the name of the water became "Zam-Zam." There is a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expressing a blessing upon Hajar (A.S.). He mentions that if she had not altered the flow of Zamzam water by constructing a basin or taking handfuls of it, it would have flowed as a stream.Reference: Sahih al-Bukari 2368, book 42, and Hadith 16.

The religious significance of holy water

• Spiritual connection: Drinking Zamzam evokes a sense of spiritual connection to the history and faith associated with the well.

• Blessings: A sip of Zamzam water gives you the spiritual blessings.

• Prayers and supplications: Drinking Zamzam water before prayers and supplications enhances blessings of prayers and supplications.

How to Use & Consume Zamzam Water: Guidelines and Rituals

Zamzam water is used to cleanse the soul spiritually and bring inner peace.

• Spiritual belief: Drinking it brings blessings and barakah and enhances spiritual well-being.

• Drinking: Every pilgrim and visitor of Haramain Shareef drinks Zamzam water for its blessings and spiritual significance.

• Rituals and prayers: Zamzam water is used in conjunction with prayers and supplications, and believers believe that it enhances spiritual experience. During Umrah rituals also, pilgrims drink this holy water before performing Sai.

• Souvenirs and distribution: Every pilgrim who goes to Mecca brings Zamzam water in a cabin bag as a souvenir and gives it to their family and friends.

With the intention for blessings, health, and spiritual rewards, drink Zam Zam water by turning your face towards the Kaaba. You may drink Zamzam in a standing position. A hadees states that Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) drank Zamzam water while standing. Reference: Sahih Muslim 2027c; Book 36, Hadith 156.

Health & Therapeutic Benefits Backed by Science

Today's science by research supports the unique health and therapeutic benefits of this holy water.

• Pure & Protective: This water is naturally free from pathogens, which helps to protect the heart and tissues.

• Kills Germs: The antibacterial properties of Zamzam water helps to kill hazardous germs that get in the body.

• Superior Hydration: Zamzam water contains various minerals that replenish electrolytes and hence help to keep the body hydrated.

• Shields Your Cell: The antioxidant properties of this holy water help to defend the body against free radical damage.

• Supports Vital Organs: Minerals in Zamzam help boost heart health and kidney function.

Takeaway

So, when you hold a cup of Zamzam water, it connects you to a deep heritage of Islam by going behind and recalling the time of Hajar's struggle for water and Ismail's tiny heels that strike the hot sand of the desert.

Now when today's science proves Zamzam's purity, your heart fills with belief and senses something deeper; it is a tangible tie to the core of faith. Whether you drink this holy water, facing the Kaaba with a prayer, share it with loved ones, or let its coolness soothe you, it is a lasting gift from Allah (SWT) that reminds you about His care and mercy.

FAQs

How to consume Zamzam water?

You may drink Zamzam water by standing and facing the Kaaba.

Where does Zamzam water come from?

The premises of Masjid al-Haram in Saudi Arabia contains the original Zamzam well, which is the main source of Zamzam water. It is located 20 meters to the east of the Kaaba.

What is Zamzam water in Islam?

Zamzam is the purest, blessed, and most sacred water. It has a significant value in Islam. It was miraculously brought forth by Allah through Hajar (A.S.), wife of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), and her son Ismail (A.S.) when they were in the desert.