إدريس عبدالله
_5 _March _2017هـ الموافق 5-03-2017م, 11:05 PM
Introduction
Allah has made all living creatures out of water. People require water for almost everything; for agriculture, construction, transportation, and for cooling and heating. But not all water carries the same value and significance? Muslims refer to the water of Zamzam as something revered and unique. They crave this mysterious liquid and love to drink it whenever they can. And for those who managed to go to the Hajj, they return home carrying it for thousands of miles as a prized possession and to give as special gift to their friends and families.
So, what is so special about Zamzam water? In a word: Everything.
There is nothing ordinary about it. The miracle of how it came to being in the middle of the desert, its consistency throughout thousands of years, the beneficial qualities it has, and the fact that it never dries up. This water is special.
The fact is, this small 5 ft. deep well is far away from any other source or body of water. It is self-replenishing. It is constantly replenishing itself in order to produce gallons upon gallons of water for consumption of thirsty pilgrims plus the additional amount that is bottled and also the amount that is taken as gifts distributed worldwide to millions. Zamzam water has scientifically been proven to contain healing qualities due to its higher content of Calcium and Magnesium Salts and also the natural fluorides that encompass a germicidal action.
It is also an established scientific fact that pools or water wells tend to grow vegetation such as algae—especially in warm climates. Amazingly this is not the case in the well of Zamzam. It has remained free from biological contaminants.
From the time that Hagar wandered aimlessly through the desert in search of sustenance for her son and herself; to the moment that Isma`il, may Allah exalt his mention, kicked his tiny feet on the sand and the well of Zamzam was born out of the great Mercy of Allah, Muslims have been drinking from it. What is more fascinating is that it has never once dried up. To Muslims this blessed water is special in significance and history.
A Lofty History
Ibn 'Abbas (ra?iyalla?u `anhuma) narrated that the Prophet (?allalla?u `alayhi wa-sallam) said: "When Ibrahim (Abraham) had differences with his wife, (because of her jealousy of Hajar), he took Isma’il and his mother and went away. They had a water-skin with them containing some water, Isma`il's mother used to drink water from the water-skin so that her milk would increase for her child. When Ibrahim reached Makkah, he made her sit under a tree and afterwards returned home. Isma’il's mother followed him, and when they reached Kada, she called him from behind, `O Ibrahim! To whom are you leaving us?' He replied, '(I am leaving you) to Allah's (Care).' She said, 'I am satisfied to be with Allah.' She returned to her place and started drinking water from the water-skin, and her milk increased for her child. When the water had all been used up, she said to herself, 'I should better go and look so that I may see somebody.' She ascended the hill of the ?afa and looked, hoping to see somebody, but in vain. When she came down to the valley, she ran till she reached the hill of the Marwah. She ran to and from (between the two hills) many times. Then she said to herself, 'I should better go and see the state of the child.' She went and found him in a state of one on the point of dying. She could not endure to watch her child dying and said (to herself), 'If I go and look, I may find somebody.' She went and ascended the hill of the ?afa and looked for a long while but could not see anybody. Thus she completed seven rounds (of running) between ?afa and Marwah. Again she said (to herself), 'I should better go back and see how the child is doing.' But all of a sudden she heard a voice, and she said to that strange voice, 'Help us if you can offer any help.' It was Gabriel (who had made the voice). Gabriel hit the earth with his heel like this (Ibn `Abbas hit the earth with his heel to illustrate it), and so the water gushed out. Isma’il's mother was astonished and started digging ... She started drinking from the water and her milk increased for her child..." [Al-Bukhari]
In another narration of Ibn 'Abbas (ra?iyalla?u `anhuma) he narrated that the Prophet (?allalla?u `alayhi wa-sallam) said: "May Allah be merciful to the mother of Isma’il! If she had left the water of Zamzam (fountain) as it was, (without constructing a basin for keeping the water), it would have been a flowing stream. Jurhum (an ancient Arab tribe) came to Hagar and asked her, 'May we settle at your dwelling?' She said, 'Yes, but you have no right to possess the water.' They agreed." [Al-Bukhari]
It was thus how the dry and barren valley of Makkah became inhabited.
The Archangel Gabriel unearthed the water of Zamzam such that the life of Isma’il, the great grandfather of Prophet Mu?ammad (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) may be saved. Hagar, the wife of Ibrahim the patriarch, restricted its flow and caused it to become a well. It is located next to the holiest of all holy places: the Ka'bah. Its water was the direct cause of Jurhum's settlement in Makkah, and hence the start of the Makkan era in human history. No other water can claim this honor.
The Rebirth of Zamzam
With the passage of time, the inhabitants of Makkah started to forego the ways of the pious ones. Jurhum, the core of the Makkan population, were driven out of Makkah when they became unjust and tyrannical. They, being fully aware of the importance of Zamzam, hideously plugged it to deny their conquerors its blessings. Zamzam was not reopened and henceforth was forgotten.
Many generations passed in Makkah with Zamzam in complete oblivion, until `Abdul-Mu??alib (the paternal grandfather of the Prophet (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam)) resurrected the dead well. `Abdul-Mu??alib himself was oblivious to the Zamzam. With the approaching of the last divine message, a sequence of significant preludes was in order; the rebirth of Zamzam was one.
It so happened that for three consecutive nights, `Abdul-Mu??alib had a very clear vision about digging a well. During each vision, the name of the well was different and no location was mentioned. On the fourth night, however, both Zamzam and its location were communicated to `Abdul-Mu??alib so clearly that he attended to the appointed task on the morning of the very fourth night.
To the utter disbelief of the Makkans who ridiculed the seemingly futile attempt at finding water in such an arid place, `Abdul-Mu??alib found water in an ancient buried well, close to the Ka'bah. It was only natural that the Makkans would claim a share in this, obviously, a special well. `Abdul-Mu??alib gave no concessions and rejected any such claim.
The Makkans and `Abdul-Mu??alib's could not negotiate a middle ground, so both parties agreed to seek arbitration. They set out for a priestess whose judgment was accepted by both parties.
On their way, and while crossing the desert, the caravan ran out of water. The companions of `Abdul-Mu??alib all but gave up any hope of salvation. When all seemed lost, water sprang out from the ever so small notch that `Abdul-Mu??alib's camel made with its pad. Upon seeing this, the Makkans knew that He who saved `Abdul-Mu??alib from this eminent death on this very journey to settle the very question of Zamzam, had made `Abdul-Mu??alib the sole heir to this special water. The matter was settled and the family of the Prophet (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) was ennobled with a mark of clear distinction.
It is of paramount importance to mention that `Abdul-Mu??alib's possession of Zamzam was not an act of ownership where he would deny its water to others. Being the sole heir to Zamzam meant that `Abdul-Mu??alib alone was to provide Zamzam water to the pilgrims; no one else (save his family of course) could partake in this most honorable privilege.
Venerable Even Before Islam
After the rebirth of Zamzam, the Makkans accorded it the veneration it deserved. They used to drink the Zamzam whenever they were about to engage in a matter of grave importance.
Al-?arith b. Khalifah As-Sa'di narrated that Quraysh always commenced their preparation to fend enemies by drinking from Zamzam. This was so customary that one could easily infer the gravity of matters from the collection of pots near Zamzam.
The Makkans realized that Zamzam was blessed water. They sought its blessing in matters of gravity, and many a times it was the difference.
The Location of the Well
The well is located only few paces from the Ka'bah, behind the Maqam (the stepping stone which Prophet Ibrahim used while building the Ka’bah) to the left. The well itself was lowered below the ground to facilitate the modernization of water extraction from the well, and to remove all obstacles from the path of ?awaf.
It is worth mentioning that there are other wells named Zamzam after the original one. Such a well can be found, for example, in Madinah.
The Names of Zamzam
The Zamzam commands both love and respect. In addition to the sublime nature and the loft history of this unique water, its attributes have originated its many names. Some of its names that are related to its sublimity are `blessing' and `blessed'. Another beautiful name is 'Bushra' which signifies glad tidings for the believers.
A Clear Sign
Al-Masjid Al-?aram (The Sacred Mosque in Makkah) is the first House of worship appointed for mankind. Along with this appointment, Allah blessed this sacred place with many signs of distinction. Allah says:
"Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for the worlds. In it are manifest signs, the place of Abraham; whosoever enters it, he attains security..." [Qur’an 3:96-97]
Zamzam is one of those signs. Chronologically it is the first, for when Ibrahim (peace be upon him) left his wife and infant son at the barren valley, following Allah's command, he made a humble request:
"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House in order, O our Lord, that they may perform prayer. So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks." [Qur’an 14:37]
Zamzam was the first among many fruits.
A Perpetual Water
One of the greatest attributes of Zamzam is that it will never dry up. This is a gift from Allah to Makkah and to its pilgrims. Ibn 'Abbas (ra?iyalla?u anhu) narrated that the Prophet (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) said:
"... May Allah bestow his mercy upon her (Hagar, the mother of Isma’il), had she let go (of the water of Zamzam) it would have become a spring (rather than a well) whose water shall never dry." [A?mad]
Every year, millions upon millions of pilgrims drink Zamzam water, which has been around for thousands of years. It is sent daily to the Prophet's mosque in Madinah in large quantities, and is packaged and shipped to millions of Muslims worldwide, without the slightest blemish in its flow. It is the epitome of munificence; the more we drink, the more it gives.
The chemical analysis of Zamzam Water
Dr. A?mad `Abd al-Qadir Al-Muhandis indicates that the results of chemical analyses show that Zamzam Water is pure water, without colour or smell, has a distinct taste, and its hydrogen exponent is 7.5, indicating that it is alkaline to some extent.
A study conducted in American laboratories showed that traces of thirty elements were identified in Zamzam water by means of energizing neutrons. Some of these elements scored less than 0.01. After matching up the chemical analysis to international specifications, especially to the specifications of the World Health Organization (WHO), results proved the portability of Zamzam water as well as its beneficial effect on the body health. Additionally, sodium is very high in Zamzam water and the international specifications do not put a limit to the measurement of its composition.
Zamzam water has also been treated by ultraviolet rays, and microbes have no place to survive in it, which means that Zamzam water preserves its taste and is not a congenial environment for bacteria.
According to various chemical analyses, dry weather make Zamzam more saline through evaporation, which is, with Allah's might, good for the human body.
In conclusion, it becomes clear that we should believe in the Prophet's miracles (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) and that he is as described by Allah:
"Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only Inspiration that is inspired." [Qur’an 53: 3-41]
The Prophet (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) said: "Zamzam water is a lavish meal and a great healer," and, "Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it for." Thus, it is a Sunnah to Drink Zamzam water, wash with it, and sprinkle it on a sick person.
The Benefits of Drinking Zamzam Water
Ibn 'Abbas (ra?iyallahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) said: "Zamzam water is what one intends to drink for. When one drinks it to be healed, Allah heals him; when one drinks it be full, Allah makes him full; and when one drinks it to quench his thirst, Allah quenches it." [A?mad and Ibn Majah]
There is no doubt that drinking Zamzam water is very beneficial. Thus, one should drink Zamzam water because it is the best water on earth.
Allah has made all living creatures out of water. People require water for almost everything; for agriculture, construction, transportation, and for cooling and heating. But not all water carries the same value and significance? Muslims refer to the water of Zamzam as something revered and unique. They crave this mysterious liquid and love to drink it whenever they can. And for those who managed to go to the Hajj, they return home carrying it for thousands of miles as a prized possession and to give as special gift to their friends and families.
So, what is so special about Zamzam water? In a word: Everything.
There is nothing ordinary about it. The miracle of how it came to being in the middle of the desert, its consistency throughout thousands of years, the beneficial qualities it has, and the fact that it never dries up. This water is special.
The fact is, this small 5 ft. deep well is far away from any other source or body of water. It is self-replenishing. It is constantly replenishing itself in order to produce gallons upon gallons of water for consumption of thirsty pilgrims plus the additional amount that is bottled and also the amount that is taken as gifts distributed worldwide to millions. Zamzam water has scientifically been proven to contain healing qualities due to its higher content of Calcium and Magnesium Salts and also the natural fluorides that encompass a germicidal action.
It is also an established scientific fact that pools or water wells tend to grow vegetation such as algae—especially in warm climates. Amazingly this is not the case in the well of Zamzam. It has remained free from biological contaminants.
From the time that Hagar wandered aimlessly through the desert in search of sustenance for her son and herself; to the moment that Isma`il, may Allah exalt his mention, kicked his tiny feet on the sand and the well of Zamzam was born out of the great Mercy of Allah, Muslims have been drinking from it. What is more fascinating is that it has never once dried up. To Muslims this blessed water is special in significance and history.
A Lofty History
Ibn 'Abbas (ra?iyalla?u `anhuma) narrated that the Prophet (?allalla?u `alayhi wa-sallam) said: "When Ibrahim (Abraham) had differences with his wife, (because of her jealousy of Hajar), he took Isma’il and his mother and went away. They had a water-skin with them containing some water, Isma`il's mother used to drink water from the water-skin so that her milk would increase for her child. When Ibrahim reached Makkah, he made her sit under a tree and afterwards returned home. Isma’il's mother followed him, and when they reached Kada, she called him from behind, `O Ibrahim! To whom are you leaving us?' He replied, '(I am leaving you) to Allah's (Care).' She said, 'I am satisfied to be with Allah.' She returned to her place and started drinking water from the water-skin, and her milk increased for her child. When the water had all been used up, she said to herself, 'I should better go and look so that I may see somebody.' She ascended the hill of the ?afa and looked, hoping to see somebody, but in vain. When she came down to the valley, she ran till she reached the hill of the Marwah. She ran to and from (between the two hills) many times. Then she said to herself, 'I should better go and see the state of the child.' She went and found him in a state of one on the point of dying. She could not endure to watch her child dying and said (to herself), 'If I go and look, I may find somebody.' She went and ascended the hill of the ?afa and looked for a long while but could not see anybody. Thus she completed seven rounds (of running) between ?afa and Marwah. Again she said (to herself), 'I should better go back and see how the child is doing.' But all of a sudden she heard a voice, and she said to that strange voice, 'Help us if you can offer any help.' It was Gabriel (who had made the voice). Gabriel hit the earth with his heel like this (Ibn `Abbas hit the earth with his heel to illustrate it), and so the water gushed out. Isma’il's mother was astonished and started digging ... She started drinking from the water and her milk increased for her child..." [Al-Bukhari]
In another narration of Ibn 'Abbas (ra?iyalla?u `anhuma) he narrated that the Prophet (?allalla?u `alayhi wa-sallam) said: "May Allah be merciful to the mother of Isma’il! If she had left the water of Zamzam (fountain) as it was, (without constructing a basin for keeping the water), it would have been a flowing stream. Jurhum (an ancient Arab tribe) came to Hagar and asked her, 'May we settle at your dwelling?' She said, 'Yes, but you have no right to possess the water.' They agreed." [Al-Bukhari]
It was thus how the dry and barren valley of Makkah became inhabited.
The Archangel Gabriel unearthed the water of Zamzam such that the life of Isma’il, the great grandfather of Prophet Mu?ammad (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) may be saved. Hagar, the wife of Ibrahim the patriarch, restricted its flow and caused it to become a well. It is located next to the holiest of all holy places: the Ka'bah. Its water was the direct cause of Jurhum's settlement in Makkah, and hence the start of the Makkan era in human history. No other water can claim this honor.
The Rebirth of Zamzam
With the passage of time, the inhabitants of Makkah started to forego the ways of the pious ones. Jurhum, the core of the Makkan population, were driven out of Makkah when they became unjust and tyrannical. They, being fully aware of the importance of Zamzam, hideously plugged it to deny their conquerors its blessings. Zamzam was not reopened and henceforth was forgotten.
Many generations passed in Makkah with Zamzam in complete oblivion, until `Abdul-Mu??alib (the paternal grandfather of the Prophet (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam)) resurrected the dead well. `Abdul-Mu??alib himself was oblivious to the Zamzam. With the approaching of the last divine message, a sequence of significant preludes was in order; the rebirth of Zamzam was one.
It so happened that for three consecutive nights, `Abdul-Mu??alib had a very clear vision about digging a well. During each vision, the name of the well was different and no location was mentioned. On the fourth night, however, both Zamzam and its location were communicated to `Abdul-Mu??alib so clearly that he attended to the appointed task on the morning of the very fourth night.
To the utter disbelief of the Makkans who ridiculed the seemingly futile attempt at finding water in such an arid place, `Abdul-Mu??alib found water in an ancient buried well, close to the Ka'bah. It was only natural that the Makkans would claim a share in this, obviously, a special well. `Abdul-Mu??alib gave no concessions and rejected any such claim.
The Makkans and `Abdul-Mu??alib's could not negotiate a middle ground, so both parties agreed to seek arbitration. They set out for a priestess whose judgment was accepted by both parties.
On their way, and while crossing the desert, the caravan ran out of water. The companions of `Abdul-Mu??alib all but gave up any hope of salvation. When all seemed lost, water sprang out from the ever so small notch that `Abdul-Mu??alib's camel made with its pad. Upon seeing this, the Makkans knew that He who saved `Abdul-Mu??alib from this eminent death on this very journey to settle the very question of Zamzam, had made `Abdul-Mu??alib the sole heir to this special water. The matter was settled and the family of the Prophet (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) was ennobled with a mark of clear distinction.
It is of paramount importance to mention that `Abdul-Mu??alib's possession of Zamzam was not an act of ownership where he would deny its water to others. Being the sole heir to Zamzam meant that `Abdul-Mu??alib alone was to provide Zamzam water to the pilgrims; no one else (save his family of course) could partake in this most honorable privilege.
Venerable Even Before Islam
After the rebirth of Zamzam, the Makkans accorded it the veneration it deserved. They used to drink the Zamzam whenever they were about to engage in a matter of grave importance.
Al-?arith b. Khalifah As-Sa'di narrated that Quraysh always commenced their preparation to fend enemies by drinking from Zamzam. This was so customary that one could easily infer the gravity of matters from the collection of pots near Zamzam.
The Makkans realized that Zamzam was blessed water. They sought its blessing in matters of gravity, and many a times it was the difference.
The Location of the Well
The well is located only few paces from the Ka'bah, behind the Maqam (the stepping stone which Prophet Ibrahim used while building the Ka’bah) to the left. The well itself was lowered below the ground to facilitate the modernization of water extraction from the well, and to remove all obstacles from the path of ?awaf.
It is worth mentioning that there are other wells named Zamzam after the original one. Such a well can be found, for example, in Madinah.
The Names of Zamzam
The Zamzam commands both love and respect. In addition to the sublime nature and the loft history of this unique water, its attributes have originated its many names. Some of its names that are related to its sublimity are `blessing' and `blessed'. Another beautiful name is 'Bushra' which signifies glad tidings for the believers.
A Clear Sign
Al-Masjid Al-?aram (The Sacred Mosque in Makkah) is the first House of worship appointed for mankind. Along with this appointment, Allah blessed this sacred place with many signs of distinction. Allah says:
"Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for the worlds. In it are manifest signs, the place of Abraham; whosoever enters it, he attains security..." [Qur’an 3:96-97]
Zamzam is one of those signs. Chronologically it is the first, for when Ibrahim (peace be upon him) left his wife and infant son at the barren valley, following Allah's command, he made a humble request:
"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House in order, O our Lord, that they may perform prayer. So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks." [Qur’an 14:37]
Zamzam was the first among many fruits.
A Perpetual Water
One of the greatest attributes of Zamzam is that it will never dry up. This is a gift from Allah to Makkah and to its pilgrims. Ibn 'Abbas (ra?iyalla?u anhu) narrated that the Prophet (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) said:
"... May Allah bestow his mercy upon her (Hagar, the mother of Isma’il), had she let go (of the water of Zamzam) it would have become a spring (rather than a well) whose water shall never dry." [A?mad]
Every year, millions upon millions of pilgrims drink Zamzam water, which has been around for thousands of years. It is sent daily to the Prophet's mosque in Madinah in large quantities, and is packaged and shipped to millions of Muslims worldwide, without the slightest blemish in its flow. It is the epitome of munificence; the more we drink, the more it gives.
The chemical analysis of Zamzam Water
Dr. A?mad `Abd al-Qadir Al-Muhandis indicates that the results of chemical analyses show that Zamzam Water is pure water, without colour or smell, has a distinct taste, and its hydrogen exponent is 7.5, indicating that it is alkaline to some extent.
A study conducted in American laboratories showed that traces of thirty elements were identified in Zamzam water by means of energizing neutrons. Some of these elements scored less than 0.01. After matching up the chemical analysis to international specifications, especially to the specifications of the World Health Organization (WHO), results proved the portability of Zamzam water as well as its beneficial effect on the body health. Additionally, sodium is very high in Zamzam water and the international specifications do not put a limit to the measurement of its composition.
Zamzam water has also been treated by ultraviolet rays, and microbes have no place to survive in it, which means that Zamzam water preserves its taste and is not a congenial environment for bacteria.
According to various chemical analyses, dry weather make Zamzam more saline through evaporation, which is, with Allah's might, good for the human body.
In conclusion, it becomes clear that we should believe in the Prophet's miracles (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) and that he is as described by Allah:
"Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only Inspiration that is inspired." [Qur’an 53: 3-41]
The Prophet (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) said: "Zamzam water is a lavish meal and a great healer," and, "Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it for." Thus, it is a Sunnah to Drink Zamzam water, wash with it, and sprinkle it on a sick person.
The Benefits of Drinking Zamzam Water
Ibn 'Abbas (ra?iyallahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (?allallahu `alayhi wa-sallam) said: "Zamzam water is what one intends to drink for. When one drinks it to be healed, Allah heals him; when one drinks it be full, Allah makes him full; and when one drinks it to quench his thirst, Allah quenches it." [A?mad and Ibn Majah]
There is no doubt that drinking Zamzam water is very beneficial. Thus, one should drink Zamzam water because it is the best water on earth.