The Well of Zamzam
The Sacred Water of Mecca
Interesting Facts
- •The Zamzam well is over 4,000 years old
- •Its depth is approximately 30 meters
- •It produces about 18.5 liters of water per second
- •Zamzam water does not spoil, even after years
- •King Abdulaziz modernized the pumping system in 1953
History of the Zamzam Well
According to Islamic tradition, the well of Zamzam was revealed to Hajar (Hagar), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), when she was desperately searching for water for her son Ismail (Ishmael). After running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, the angel Gabriel struck the ground with his wing, causing water to spring forth. The name 'Zamzam' is said to come from the sound the water made as it gushed out or from the words Hajar used to contain the water ('zome zome', meaning 'stop, stop').
Hadiths about Zamzam Water
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for."
Reported by Ibn Majah
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam. It is a nourishment that feeds and a cure for illness."
Reported by at-Tabarani
Ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The water of Zamzam is beneficial for whatever it is drunk for."
Reported by Ahmad