10 Unknown Facts about Zamzam Well History and Importance

Zamzam Well of Saudi Arabia is a single well-known to a vast number of people across the world. The importance of the Zamzam well can be gauged that millions of pilgrims (Hajji) who visit Mecca every year must ensure the drinking of its water and the excellent visit without fail. Since the number of Hajj and Umrah are increasing, the demand for Zamzam water has also increased exponentially.  The well has a history of thousands of years and references in the Bible.    

Zamzam Well Location

It is in the world-famous mosque Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is about 20 meters east of Kaaba, the most sacred place of Muslims.  As per Islamic scriptures, it is said that the Kaaba was rebuilt by Ibrahim, which Hazrat Adam initially constructed. Kaaba is the place where Muslims across the world offer prayer five times a day.

Photo courtesy: arabnews.com

The history behind Zamzam Well

The origin of the Zamzam well can be traced to thousands of years ago. The pious well existed when Hazrat Ibrahim Alaihe As Salam’s son, Hazrat Ismail Alaihe As Salam, was left with his mother, Hajar (Hagar), in the scorching hot desert of Saudi Arabia. Ismail was crying and thirsty when his mother searched for water between the two hills, Safa and Marwah.  Hajar ran seven times between the two hills in search of water. While searching for water with his mother, Hazrat Ismail started hitting his feet on the ground because of thirst. It is said that a water source, now Zamzam well, sprang up where Hazrat Ismail was hitting his feet.

10 Facts about Zamzam Well

1. It is said by Prophet Muhammad Sallalah ho Alaihe As-Salam (S.A.W.) that Zamzam water is a natural source of healing for the sick. This water is considered a blessing by Muslims.
2. The depth of the well is about 30 m, and its diameter is from 1.08 to 2.66 m. The well is surrounded by glass panels through which visitors can see it.
3. Two electric pumps are used alternatively to draw water from the well for distribution and other purposes. However, water was taken out manually by bucket till 1960.
4. The well’s water is colourless and odourless and has some unique taste with a pH value of 7.9-8.
5. The minerals are sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, sulfate and dissolved solids.
6. King Abdullah Zamzam Water Distribution Centre, Mecca, tests the well’s water daily. During the holy month of Ramadan, 100 samples are tested daily.
7. The Zamzam well was renovated in 2018, involving sterilisation and debris removal.
8. It is also said that Allah sent his angel Gabriel (Jibra; il), who hit the ground with his heal. Thereby, the source of Zamzam came into existence.
9. The water comes in the well from two directions-, one from Kaaba and another from Mount Abu Qubais.
10. Normally, the electric pump extracts 1.5 lakh litres per day, but during Ramadan and Hajj, the quantity extends to 4 lakh litres per day.

Benefits

• It is said that water is cured for any purpose if you drink it. You can use it if you want to drink it instead of food. If you want to soothe your thirst, it is the best helpful, too.
• The Prophet Muhammad SAW said that the water is full of miracle and cure many sicknesses.
• The well has been providing water continuously for the last 4000 years, and the best part is that it is free of germs and bacteria.   
• It seems < UNK> The water seems the purest because of its biochemical composition.
• It is alkaline and accordingly reduces acidity and bloating.

Different names of Zamzam Well

• Zome Zome
• Zam Zam
• Zam-Zam
• Zemzem
• Zem Zem
• Zem-Zem

Zamzam well supervision

Earlier, the well was supervised by Abd Al-Muttalib bin Hashim, grandfather of Prophet Muhammad, followed by Muslim Caliphs. However, its supervision and monitoring are being done by the Saudi Kings in modern times.