Islamic Places
Zamzam
The sacred well in Mecca that miraculously sprang for Hajar and infant Isma'il. Its blessed water is drunk by pilgrims and carried home worldwide.
What is Zamzam?
Zamzam is the sacred well located within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, a few metres from the Kaaba. Its blessed water has flowed for thousands of years and is drunk by millions of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah, who also carry it home around the world. It is considered the best and most blessed water on earth.
The Miraculous Origin of Zamzam
Islamic tradition narrates that the Prophet Ibrahim, by God's command, left his wife Hagar and infant son Isma'il in the barren valley of Mecca. When their water ran out, Hagar ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for help. Then, by God's mercy, water gushed forth at the feet of baby Isma'il. This spring became Zamzam, and Hagar's running is commemorated in the Hajj rite of sa'i.
The Virtues of Zamzam
- The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam" (Tabarani)
- "The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for" (Ibn Majah 3062) — it may be drunk with intention for healing, nourishment, or any good purpose
- It is described as filling and nourishing
- Drinking it is a recommended part of completing the pilgrimage rites
Zamzam and the Rite of Sa'i
The running of Hagar between Safa and Marwa is re-enacted by every pilgrim as the sa'i, one of the essential rites of Hajj and Umrah. Thus the story of Zamzam is woven directly into the pilgrimage, a living memorial of trust in God in the face of hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Zamzam water be drunk for healing?
Yes. Based on the hadith "Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for", many drink it with a sincere intention, relying on God for the outcome.
Is there a recommended way to drink Zamzam?
It is recommended to face the Qibla, say Bismillah, drink in three breaths, drink to one's fill, and make supplication, as part of the prophetic etiquette of drinking.
Etymology & origin
Zamzam (زمزم) is said to derive from the sense of zamzama — to murmur or to gather/contain abundant flowing water. A common explanation links it to Hagar's act of enclosing the gushing water with sand, saying "zam zam" (stop, stop / gather), to contain it. The name thus evokes the abundant, contained spring that miraculously appeared in the barren valley of Mecca.
References
- Quran:
- 2:158, 14:37, 22:26
- Hadith:
- Ibn Majah 3062 (Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for); Muslim 2473 (the story of Hagar and the gushing of Zamzam); Bukhari 3364 (Ibrahim leaving Hagar and Isma'il in Mecca); Muslim 1218 (the Prophet drank Zamzam during Hajj)
Related terms
Arafat
The plain east of Mecca where pilgrims gather on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah for the standing (wuquf), the essential pillar without which Hajj is invalid.
Hajj
The fifth pillar of Islam: the pilgrimage to Mecca performed during Dhu al-Hijjah, obligatory once for every able-bodied financially capable Muslim.
Kaaba
The cube-shaped House of God in Mecca, rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim and Isma'il; Muslims worldwide face it in prayer and circle it (tawaf) during pilgrimage.
Masjid al-Haram
The Sacred Mosque in Mecca surrounding the Kaaba — the holiest site in Islam and the direction (qibla) toward which all Muslims pray.
Mecca
The holiest city in Islam, birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and site of the Kaaba; the destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Safa and Marwa
Two small hills near the Kaaba between which pilgrims walk seven times (sa'i), commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Isma'il.