Zamzam water

You may have seen people bringing Aab e Zam Zam from the place of pilgrimage and dividing it among the beloved. It might amaze you and make you anxious to know what is Zamzam and why it is so special. There is an interesting and heart wrenching story of Zamzam water. In this blog, we will enlighten you about Zamzam water, its history, importance and benefits.     

The tapestry of Islam is filled with the miracle of Allah Almighty. One of the living miracles is the existence of a well of zam zam for centuries. This sacred water is located in Masjid Al Haram , Makkah in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic tradition the water gushed from earth as a result of rubbing of Hazrat Ismael’s A.S. feet. Let’s unfold the zam zam water story.    

Zam Zam Meaning

Aab e Zam Zam is a sacred and blessed water in Islam. Let’s first understand Zam Zam meaning. ‘Zam zam’ is an Arabic word which is derived from ‘Zome’ and has different meanings. Its literal meaning is to ‘stop flowing’. The name is related to an incident when the water of Zamzam first sprung, and due to fear of running out, Hazrat Hajrah–the mother of Hazrat Ismail A.S. said zome zome to water which means stop stop. Since then, this water has been called Zamzam.  

History Of Zam Zam Water

The history of the Zam Zam Water is traced back to the time of migration of Hazrat Ibrahim A.S with His wife Hazrat Hajrah and son Ismael A.S. to Makkah Mukarramah. Hazrat Ibrahim A.S., by the command of Allah, migrated to Makkah with His wife and infant son. They had a little to feed including dates and water skin containing water to drink. He left Hazrat Hajrah and Ismail A.S near a tree and returned. The makkah was barren and uninhabited at that time. While returning, Hazrat Hajra thrice asked Hazrat Ibrahim A.S, where is He going, but He did not respond. When Hazrat Hajra came to know that it was the command of Allah, She said Allah will not neglect us. Hazrat Ibrahim A.S. returned where He intended to go. 

Hazrat Hajra continued feeding of dates and water and breastfeed her son. Soon they ran out of food and water, causing severe thirst for mother and son. The infant Ismael A.S. was thirsty and no one was there to help them till the farthest mountain. In the hope of help to find water to quench their thirst, Hazrat Hajrah ran and descended the nearest hill–Safa and scanned the valley but could not find anyone. Then she returned to Her son and ran for another hill–Marwa and returned empty handed.  She sprinted seven times between Safa and Marwa but could not locate anybody.

When she returned, she saw young Ismail A.S. weeping and rubbing the sand with His heels. At the moment she noticed water gushing under His heels. She started making a basin around the water and exclaimed, zam zam means stop stop in fear of running it out. Hazrat Hajra drank water by scooping her hands and suckled Hazrat Ismail A.S. Since then Zam Zam well has been a source of water for inhabitants of Makkah. 

Well Of Zamzam Dried UP

The well of Zamzam became the source of water in the barren land of Makkah. Following Hazrat Hajrah and Ismael A.S., a tribe Jurhum came to know about the water and approached them to settle there. Hazrat Hajrah agreed with a condition that they had no right to possess the water. The tribe accepted this term and began to settle there. With time the barren land of Makkah instilled with inhabitants. Hazrat Ibrahim A.S returned to His family and built Kaaba, the Holy house Of Allah, with His son Ismail A.S. by the command of Allah. 

As time passed, the Makkan deviated from the right path and Jurhum tribe was expelled from makkah. As a revenge, the Jhurum people plugged the Zam Zam water well to deprive remaining people of Makkah from blessing of Zem Zem water. With time the existence of the Zamzam was forgotten for many years. 

Rediscovery Of Zam Zam Well

The existence and place of Zam Zam well was forgotten for many generations until Abul Mutallib the grandfather of the Holy Prophet SAW rediscovered it. According to traditions, Abul Mutalib received a divine message through a dream about the exact location of Zamzam water well. For three nights he had dreamt about the digging of a well. On the fourth day he was informed about the location of the well. After a struggling quest of digging, he found the well. Since then, he was honoured with the privilege of providing the sacred water to people on the pilgrimage of Kaaba.  

The Virtues Of The Zum Zum Water

Islam is a pure religion and likes purity. Zum Zum water is the noblest and purest of all waters. It is mentioned in traditions that this water was dug by Hazrat Jibril A.S. by the command of Allah to quench the thirst of Hazrat Ismail A.S. and His mother Haraz Hajarah. The Zamzam has high virtue and importance in Islam. It is considered as the holiest water. 

In Islam, the well Zamzam and the water it contains have high religious and historical significance. It is an Islamic holy water and a souvenir of sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim A.S. and his family. Muslim take it as hallowed (Tabarruk) and consider it as cure of spiritual and physical illness. It is not just water but is a symbol of faith, love, and commitment. The Muslim scholars recommend the pilgrims to drink Zemzem water as the Holy Prophet SAW is reported to have drunk the sacred water. 

Islam holy water is not only sacred among Muslims but it was considered hallowed and sacred before the advent of Islam i.e during the era of ignorance (time of Jahilliah). Hazrat Abbas RA. states that: during the time of ignorance people used to compete over the Zamzam. It was the morning victim that children would bring water and give to their parents to drink.    

Hadith About Aab e Zam Zam

Zimzam water holds paramount significance in the tapestry of Islam. It is water that quenched the thirst of Hazrat Ismail A.S. and His progeny. The significance of this water lies in the fact that our Holy Prophet SAW urged us to drink this water. There are several Hadiths that underscore the importance of Aab e Zam Zam. 

Hazrat Ibn Abbas R.A narrates that;

The Messenger of Allah,SAW, said, “The best water on the face of the earth is Zamzam water. In it is food for nourishment and healing for illness. ( Al-Mu’jam al-KabiIr 11011).

In another Hadith the Holy Prophet PBUH differentiates the believer and hypocrite with the reference of the Holy water in Islam.Hazrat Muhammad Bin Abdur Rehman bin Abubakar narrates that; 

“I was sitting with Ibn ‘Abbas, and a man came to him and he said: ‘Where have you come from?’ He said: ‘From Zamzam.’ He said: ‘Did you drink from it as you should?’ He said: ‘How is that?’ He said: ‘When you drink from it, turn to face the Qiblah and mention the name of Allah, drink three draughts and drink your fill of it. When you have finished, then praise Allah.’ The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘The sign (that differentiates) between us and the hypocrites is that they do not drink their fill from Zamzam.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3061)

In another Hadith, Hazrat Jabir Bin Abdullah RA. narrates that; 

“I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon Him) say: ‘The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3062)

Zam Zam Water Dua

Zam zam is a sacred water so should be drunk respectfully. According to Hadith “Zamzam will benefit for the purpose of what is intended while drinking it.” Therefore, dua should be made while drinking it. There is a special Zam Zam water dua reported from Hadith which should be recited while drinking it.

Allaahumma inni as’aluka `ilman naifi`aaa, wa rizqaw wasi`aaa, wa shifa’am min kulli da’i

“O Allah! I ask you for beneficial knowledge, and plentiful sustenance and cure from every illness”.

How To Drink Zam Zam Water?

Zam zam is the most blessed water among all other sources of the waters. It is the right of the blessed water that it should be drunk with etiquettes. The Holy Prophet SAw has taught us some etiquettes on how to drink Zam Zam water.

• Say Bismillah while drinking.
• Hold the water with your right hand.
• Face toward Qibla
• Read the dua when drinking zam zam water. 
• It is the sunnah of the Holy Prophet SAW to drink ZamZAm while standing. 
• Drink water Zem Zem in three gulps. 
• Say Alhamdullillah after drinking.
• You also sprinkle the sacred water on your head, chest and entire body and make supplications.   

Zamzam Water In Bible

Zam Zam has been a sacred and source blessing in Abrahamic religion. Likewise Islam, Zam Zam water story is also found in Christianity with variation. The story of Zamzam water in Bible appears in Genesis 21:17-20; 

"God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."
Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink."  

Zam Zam Water Benefits

Islam holy water is renowned worldwide for its purity and healing properties. Besides the religious perspective, science has also proved the benefits of Zam Zam drink. Muslims around the world drink the holy Islamic water during Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage and bring to their family as Tabarruk and source of blessing. Here we enlist a few of the Zam Zam water benefits.

Fulfillment Of Wishes

Human beings have unlimited wishes and aspirations. They always strive to fulfill their wishes but sometimes all efforts go in vain. However, praying at the time of drinking Muslim holy water can help fulfilling the right wishes. The Holy Prophet SAW said: 

“The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” ( Ibn Majah, 3062)

Therefore, the scholars urge Muslims to drink this water with the intention of fulfilling the right and legal needs such as recovery from sickness, alleviation of poverty, and increase in blessings. 

Spiritual Healing

Zimzam water is a source of spiritual healing. Its usage causes an increase in divine blessings (barakah). People who drink it with devotion and love, experience inner peace and tranquility. It elevates spiritual enlightenment and purifies souls.     

Physical Healing

The healing properties of Zamzam, an Islamic holy water, is scientifically proven. If drunk with devotion and full of conviction, It cures all kinds of physical sufferings. It is the best remedy for diseases such as cancer, hypertension, joint pains, and other fatal diseases. Our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) said;    

“The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness.” (Sahih al-Jami’, 3302).

Rich In Minerals

Human beings need different kinds of minerals to sustain. The deficiency in these minerals can deteriorate the chemical composition of the body. The zamzam water well is enriched in minerals and contains all the essential minerals for proper body functioning. Those who drink this water regularly can never face mineral deficiency. It helps proper body functioning and growth. Children will not face malnutrition if served this sacred water.    

Purest Water

Zam zam is the purest water in the world. It contains no germs, impurities, and bacteria. It is scientifically proven that the PH of this water is according to the international standard of drinking water. 

Conclusion  

Zamzam Water is a sacred drink that originated to quench the thirst of the Prophet Ismail A.S. and continues its tradition since then. It is a testament of divine blessing and miracle of Allah. The significance of the well of Zam Zam lies in the fact that drinking it is a compulsory part of the Holy pilgrimage. Along with muslim tradition, there is mention of Zamzam water in the Bible.