Zamzam water holds a sacred and significant place in the history of Islam. Not only is Zamzam water a miracle, but it is also considered the purest water on earth by science. The source of Zamzam is a well located in Masjid al-Haram, Makkah.
Zamzam is an Arabic word derived from zome, meaning to ‘stop flowing’. This term is derived from the event when the spring of Zamzam first originated, and due to the fear that the water would run out, Bibi Hajra said to the water, ‘zome zome.’ Hence, the water was named Zamzam, and it has been there ever since.
History Of Zamzam Water
The origin of Zamzam dates back to more than 5,000 years ago. According to Islamic history, there are two narratives regarding the miracle of this water. One of them includes Bibi Hajra and her son, Prophet Ismail. The other includes Jibreel AS. Let’s take a look at both of these narratives.
Bibi Hajra and Prophet Ismail
It is said that Prophet Ibrahim, the father of Prophet Ismail, was ordered by Allah SWT to migrate to Makkah with his family. He left his family with some dates and water. Back then, Makkah was a barren land. Hence, the water given by Prophet Ibrahim ran out quickly. Soon after, Prophet Ismail began crying due to thirst.
To quench the thirst of her son, Bibi Hajra ran seven times between the two hills, Safa and Marwa, in search of water but found none. In such a distressful state, baby Ismail began kicking the ground. Suddenly, Bibi Hajra noticed water springing from where baby Ismail was hitting his feet. Then, Bibi Hajra collected some water and gave it to Prophet Ismail. This water came to be known as the blessed water of Zamzam.
Jibreel AS
The other version of this historic event says that Jibreel AS was responsible for Zamzam water. This narrative stretches further and states that the flow of this spring was later restricted by Bibi Hajra to form a well.
The Well of Zam Zam
Just like the water, the well of Zamzam is also named Zamzam. It is located in Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The well stands to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) and expands to a diameter of 1.08 to 2.66 meters.
The well is 66 feet (20 meters) on the east side of Kaaba, one of the holiest places in Islam. Although the well is inaccessible to the public, it can be viewed from behind thick glass panels, protecting it from external damage. Electric pumps move the water from the well to the numerous taps located all around the area for public consumption.
Zamzam Water and Prophet Muhammad
Zamzam water has been mentioned in numerous hadiths. From stating Zamzam water as a natural cure for many diseases to mentioning it as a sunnah to drink, Zamzam water has many benefits.
Drink While Standing
In a hadith that Ibn Abbas narrated, he said that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH drank the Zamzam water while standing up.
Cure for Fever
Abu Jamra Ad-Dabi narrated that he used to sit with Ibn Abbas in Makkah. Once, he had a fever, and Ibn Abbas told him to cool down his fever with Zamzam because Prophet Muhammad had said that the fever is from the heat of hell, so cool it down with water (or Zamzam water).
About Muhammad by Ayesha
Hisham bin Urwah narrated from his father that Ayesha used to carry some Zamzam water and would say that “indeed Prophet Muhammad PBUH would carry it.”
The Purification of Prophet Muhammad
Anas Ibn Malik narrated that the prayers were enjoined in Makkah, and two messengers came to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH and took him to the well of Zamzam. After that, they split open his stomach, took out his innards in a basin made of gold, and washed them with Zamzam water. Afterward, they filled his heart with wisdom and knowledge.
Science about Zamzam Water
Many miracles of Islam have been proven by science. One such miracle is Zamzam water. According to the National Institutes of Health, the water of Zamzam is one of the purest waters on earth. It is rich in minerals, and its properties, such as taste, odor, and smell, are stable and don’t change with time.
Moreover, Zamzam water houses four essential metal ions, which are present in abundant quantities. These are magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium. Each of these minerals is necessary for maintaining a healthy human body. Several trace metal ions are also present in Zamzam water, such as iron, cobalt, copper, and zinc. Trace metals are essential for the normal biological functions of the human body.
Zamzam water also has a chemical composition with many antibacterial properties, which make it more clean than normal water.
What Makes Zamzam Water Safe?
Every day, three samples are taken from the well of Zamzam, which are then sent to the King Abdullah Zamzam Water Distribution Center in Mecca to be tested. During Ramadan, 100 samples are taken daily to ensure the water is healthy.
Conclusion
Zamzam water is a miracle of Allah SWT. Equipped with antibacterial properties and healing benefits, it is the most astonishing on this earth. Pilgrims worldwide use this water to cleanse themselves and take it to their homelands as a souvenir. Because of its distinct taste and history, it holds significant religious importance for Muslims.