Here, at the ZamZam filling point, a profound story of faith unfolds. This is not just any water source. This is ZamZam, a gift from God. It quenched the thirst of a desperate mother and her infant son in the desert.
Islamic tradition recounts that Ibrahim left his wife Hagar and their son Ishmael in the barren valley of Mecca. Hagar searched frantically for water. She ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Ishmael, parched and weak, scraped the ground. Suddenly, water sprang forth. Hagar, in her joy, cried “Zomë Zomë,” meaning “stop, stop”. This is how the well got its name.
The ZamZam Well is about 30 meters deep. It lies approximately 20 meters east of the Kaaba. For centuries, pilgrims have flocked to this well. They drink its water with reverence. It’s more than just water. It’s a symbol of divine mercy. Muslims believe ZamZam water offers overall wellbeing.
The giving of ZamZam water has a long history. Hagar herself was the first to offer the water to others. Her discovery attracted the tribe of Jurhum to settle in Mecca. Over time, the well was lost. ‘Abd al-Muttahb, the Prophet’s grandfather, rediscovered it in a dream.
In the time of Prophet Muhammad, the well was simple. It had just a stone fence around it. Later, two cisterns were added. One was for drinking and the other for ablution. In 771 CE, the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur built a dome over the well.
Over the centuries, the ZamZam Well has been restored many times. Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II moved the building housing the well in 1915. This helped control the crowds during the Tawaf.
Today, at the ZamZam filling point, you can partake in this sacred tradition. Remember Hagar’s faith. Reflect on the miracle that sustains millions. Over 2.2 million bottles of ZamZam water were distributed at the Prophet’s Holy Mosque in Madinah. During the first quarter over 15,000 tons of Zamzam water was received. The agency regularly tests filling points. They take random samples to ensure the water’s safety.
As you drink, consider the words of the Prophet. He said, “ZamZam water is for what he drank.” May your intentions be fulfilled as you partake in this blessed water. The ZamZam filling station at Gate 310 of Masjid an-Nabawi is accessible during specific hours. These are usually in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night. Remember, the taps inside the mosque do not contain ZamZam water.