The well of Zamzam is present in the holy city of Makkah, situated just a few meters on the eastern side of Holy Kaabah inside Masjid-al-Haram. Every year when Muslims visit the holy Kaabah with their Hajj Package Deals, while they perform Hajj or Umrah, they consume lots of Zamzam water. In fact, the pilgrims are also given canned Zamzam water to take to their hometowns as the water reserves great spiritual and historical importance in Islam.
Here’s a brief description of the significance of Zamzam well.
History of Zamzam water.
Allah Almighty, as a test, commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to leave his wife Hazrat Hajrah and infant baby Hazrat Ismail (AS) to the isolated desert of Makkah city. Showing utmost obedience to Allah’s order, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) took his (AS) wife and son to Makkah and left them alone in the middle of the desert.
Infant Ismail (AS) was hungry and he (AS) started crying; there was no soul to be seen till the farthest distance who would help a mother in despair. She ran for help between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times in order to find somebody to help but couldn’t. Little Ismail (AS) began scraping the ground, from where sprang the water of Zamzam, by the will of Allah Almighty. As she saw that the water kept on flowing, she said, “Zam Zam” (stop). Since then, the well of Zamzam has been a miraculous source of water.
Important Facts to Know about Zamzam.
- Zamzam water has exceptional significance in Islam. Not only it is the finest water to exist on earth (even more than French Alps) but also it has healing capabilities. Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said in a hadith; (description) The water of Zamzam is for whatever (reason) it is drunk for.
- Drinking Zamzam water is also one of the essential rituals of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.
- The Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) used to drink it; perform ablution with it as well as carry it with himself so that he (SAWW) could give it to ill people. He (SAWW) said in a hadith; (description) The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam well; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness.
- The supply of Zamzam water is available throughout Masjid-al-Haram via water fountains and dispensing containers (close to Tawaf Area). However, the well remains situated in the basement area where pilgrims aren’t allowed to go.
- Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) used to drink Zamzam water while standing because of the respect of this water. Therefore, Muslims are also advised to drink Zamzam water while standing i.e., in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWW).
That’s how Zamzam water holds great significance in Islam.
