Zamzam Water: Its History, Significance and Benefits for Muslims

What is Zamzam water

Zamzam water is a type of water that Muslims believe has many benefits and blessings. It comes from a well in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with a long and miraculous history. The name “Zam Zam” is derived from the Zamzam well. In this blog post, learn more about Zamzam water, its origin, its significance, and how to drink it.

As Muslims, we believe that the Zam Zam well was miraculously provided by Allah Almighty for Hazrat Hajra (AS) and her son Hazrat Ishmael (AS) when they were left in the desert by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), according to Islamic tradition. The water from the Zamzam well is considered to be blessed and carries special spiritual significance. Many pilgrims who visit Mecca for the Hajj or Umrah seek to drink the Zamzam water and bring some as a symbol of their religious journey.

Visit our blog for more information about Hajj: A Journey of Faith and Obligation.

Also visit our other blog What is Umrah – How to Perform Umrah

It was narrated that Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) said:

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 3062)

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) reported: “I served. (water of) Zamzam to Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon Him), and he drank it while standing.”

(Sahih Muslim 2027)

History of Zamzam Water

The history of Zam Zam water goes back to the time of Allah’s beloved Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his wife Hazrat Sarah (RA) lived in Palestine but didn’t have any children because Hazrat Sarah was 70 years old and Hazrat Ibrahim was 86 years old. Therefore, Hazrat Sarah suggested that Hazrat Ibrahim marry her servant, Hazrat Hajar (AS). As a result, Prophet Ismail (AS) was born to Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Hajar (AS).

Narrated By Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA):

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari 5645)

Allah (SWT) tests the people He loves. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was one of the most beloved Prophets of Allah Almighty and was given the nickname ”Khalil”. However, even he was tested with the birth of his long-awaited child, and this test was also difficult for Hazrat Hajra (AS) to endure.

Read our other blog, Prophets and Messengers in Islam

Story of Zamzam Water

Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was a Prophet of Allah Almighty who fulfilled Allah’s will. He obeyed Allah’s command and journeyed to the deserts of Makkah along with his wife and son. Upon reaching there, he left Hazrat Ismail (AS) and Hazrat Hajra (RA) with some food and water.

Hazrat Umar (RA) said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say: ‘If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: They go out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies in the evening.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 4164)

Hazrat Hajra (AS) believed Allah (SWT) was sufficient for her and that He would care for her as He did for the birds. They were seemingly alone in the vast desert, Hazrat Hajra (AS) knew that Almighty Allah was always there to protect and provide for them.

Safa and Marwa

In the story of Hazrat Ismail (AS) and Hazrat Hajar (AS), after some time, their water supply ended, and Hazrat Ismail (AS) began to cry due to thirst. As a mother, Hazrat Hajar (AS) could not bear to see her child in distress and thus felt responsible for finding a solution. She ran back and forth between the Safa and Marwah Mountains seven times in search of water, with growing desperation at every step. Allah (SWT) observed every action of Hazrat Hajar (AS) as she tried to solve her son’s problem. This act of running between Safa and Marwah is known as Sa’i, and it is performed during the Hajj pilgrimage as a symbolic representation of Hazrat Hajra’s desperate search for water in the desert. It serves as a reminder of the faith, patience, and divine intervention that ultimately provided water for Hazrat Ismail (AS) and his mother.

The Miracle of Zamzam

After running seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa, Hazrat Hajra (AS) stood on Marwa when she heard a voice. She forced herself not to speak and listened to the voice again. So she called out, “You have made me hear your voice. Have you got something to help me?”

After calling out, she saw an angel near the location of the current Zamzam water well. It was Angel Jibril (AS), and he was using either his wing or heel to dig in the ground. Water began coming out of the earth, which surprised Hazrat Hajar (AS). She raced down to the valley, started pushing the soil into a basin around the water, and then used her hands to fill the water’s skin. As she picked up the water, it continued to flow, so she said, “Zome, zome,” which meant “Stop, stop,” as she did.

This water source became a lifeline for Hazrat Hajar and Hazrat Ismail (AS), enabling them to survive in the desert. It is considered a blessed and miraculous water source and is still present in Mecca today, where millions of Muslims annually perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

Allah sends people to Hazrat Hajra (AS)

According to Islamic beliefs, when Hazrat Hajra (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) were alone in the desert with access to the life-giving Zam Zam water, Allah Almighty sent a group of people to settle in the middle of the desert. The purpose of this was to prevent Hazrat Hajra (AS) from being alone in the harsh desert environment.

And this wasn’t just any group; those were the Yemeni people, whom Allah loves so much that He specifically mentions in the Qur’an:

Lessons from this Story of Hope

The story of the Zamzam well is a tale of hope and faith that has endured for thousands of years in Islamic tradition. This miraculous well has continuously provided water and is revered for its historical significance and perceived spiritual and physical benefits. Hazrat Hajra (AS) played a significant role in this story, and we can learn many valuable lessons from her and the gift of Zam Zam water. These lessons include the importance of faith, perseverance, and the power of miracles.

Even if you can’t find a solution, Allah will give you a way out: Hazrat Hajar (AS) ran seven times between Safa and Marwa, searching for a solution in the empty desert. Even when it seemed like there was no way out, she had complete faith in the Almighty and believed that Allah would provide her with a solution to her unsolvable problem. This teaches us that no matter how difficult a situation may seem, we should trust in the power of Allah and keep searching for a way out.

Trust in Allah Almighty, but put in effort yourself: Hazrat Hajra (AS) found herself in a difficult situation. She couldn’t dig into the dry Duaground until she encountered water or travel through the desert until she encountered people. This left her unable to satisfy her baby’s thirst. However, she did not limit herself to making dua alone. She also tried to help herself by running to the top of two mountains to search for a sign of life.

Read our blog Importance of Dua in Islam.

Benefits of Zamzam Water

Zamzam water is a type of naturally alkaline water that contains essential mineral salts required by the body. It can provide energy to the body and helps to balance pH, which can guard against sickness. Additionally, it acts as a powerful antioxidant agent. There are several other benefits of drinking Zamzam water which are worth exploring:

Zamzam Water Contains No Germs or Bacteria

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.

Known for its purity

Zamzam Water is renowned for its purity. It contains the perfect amount of bicarbonates, making it one of the purest waters on the planet. Despite having no color or smell, it has a distinctive taste that sets it apart.

Healthy Bones and Teeth

Maintaining healthy bones and teeth is essential to ensure their strength and resistance. Calcium is a key nutrient that plays a major role in achieving this. While drinking milk or consuming dairy products is the primary and most common source of calcium, not many people are aware that Zamzam water is also a rich source of calcium.

Energizes Human Cells

Zamzam water is not only a means of quenching one’s thirst but also a proven source of bodily nourishment. Dr. Knut Pfeiffer, a German scientist and the head of the largest medical center in Munich, conducted a study on Zamzam water and claimed that holy water has the ability to strengthen human cells.

Presence of Minerals

Minerals in Zamzam water are unmatched by any other water source on earth. Even a single drop of Zamzam water contains various minerals that cannot be found in a drop of water from anywhere else, making it holy but also unique and healthy.

Dua for Drinking Zamzam Water

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) whenever he used to drink Zamzam water, he used to say “O Allah! Grant me beneficial knowledge, an abundant provision, and a healing from every disease.” (Sunan Dar-e-Qutni Vol:3/303)

Read our blog Make Dua More Often for inner Peace

Rules for Drinking Zamzam Water

There are some rules for drinking Zamzam water.

1. Facing the Kaaba
2. Saying, Bismillah
3. Taking three breaths and pausing each time
4. Drinking one’s fill, praising Allah after one finishes
5. Sitting whilst drinking it

Conclusion

Zamzam water is of significant spiritual importance in Islam and is highly respected by Muslims worldwide. It is believed to have both physical and spiritual benefits and is considered a symbol of purity and blessings. The water has high mineral content and alkaline properties, making it a valuable source of nourishment and healing. Whether consumed during pilgrimage or used for ablution, Zam Zam water holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Muslims, reminding them of the faith and history it represents. 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.