Zamzam زمزم

Overview

Zamzam (زَمْزَم) is the sacred well located within Masjid al-Haram, a few meters east of the Kaaba. Its water has flowed continuously for thousands of years, ever since Jibril caused it to gush forth for Hajar and her infant Isma'il. Pilgrims drink deeply from it during Hajj and Umrah and carry it home as a blessing.

Etymology

Classical philologists differ on the origin of the name. Some, including al-Tabari, derive it from the sound of the bubbling water; others suggest the root ز-م-م, meaning "to gather" or "to restrain," because Hajar gathered the water with her hands to prevent it from flowing away, saying zamzam ("stay, stay"). The Prophet ﷺ remarked that had she let it flow freely, Zamzam would have been a flowing spring.

Quranic references

Although not named directly, the well is referenced through the prayer of Ibrahim. Surah Ibrahim 14:37 — 'Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House.'

رَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:126 — 'My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits.' Surah Al-Anbiya 21:30 — 'And We made from water every living thing. Then will they not believe?' Surah Al-Mulk 67:30 — 'Say, "Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?"'

Hadith and tradition

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam. In it is food that nourishes and a healing for sickness." — Sahih Muslim-related; reported in al-Tabarani's al-Mu'jam al-Kabir, graded Sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami' 3302

Ibn Abbas reported the Prophet ﷺ as saying: "The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for" (Sunan Ibn Majah 3062, graded Sahih by al-Albani). The full narrative of Hajar's search and the gushing of the spring by Jibril's heel is preserved in Sahih al-Bukhari 3364 from Ibn Abbas.

Significance

Zamzam is a living sign of Allah's provision for those who trust Him in barren places. The well marks the spot where the rite of sa'i finds its fulfillment, and where the city of Mecca first took root. Pilgrims drink from it standing, facing the qiblah, after completing tawaf, often making dua for whatever they hope from Allah. The water has been an object of veneration since the time of Abdul Muttalib, who rediscovered the well after generations of disuse.

See also

• The Kaaba
• Masjid al-Haram
• Sa'i
• Hajj
• Umrah

References

1. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim, commentary on Surah Ibrahim 14:37.
2. al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk, account of Hajar and the well.
3. al-Nawawi, al-Majmu Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, chapter on the virtues of Zamzam.
4. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, commentary on hadith 3364.