All About Zamzam

[ummtaalib]

ZamZam Well, Its Water & Its History

 

 

Allah Ta'ala has made all living creatures out of water. People require water for almost for everything 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 a desert, its consistency throught out 1000s of years, the beneficial qualities it has, the fact that it never dries up. This water is special.

 

The fact is, this small and only ' 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 the consumption of thirsty pilgrims plus the additional amount that is bottled up and also the amount that is taken as gifts and distributed worldwide to millions. SubhanAllah!

 

Zam zam water has scientifically been proven to contain healing qualities due to its higher content of Calcium and Magnesium Salts and also 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 bilogical contaminations.

 

History of Zamzam Water

 

Zamzam is the name of a famous well in al-Masjid al-Haraam [the Sacred Mosque in Makkah], which is thirty-eight cubits away from the Ka’bah. It is the well from which Allah quenched the thirst of Ismaa’eel the son of Ibraaheem (peace and blessings of Allah be upon them both) when he was an infant. His mother(Haajra(peace and blessings of Allah be upon her) looked for water for him, but could not find any. She climbed to the top of Mount al-Safaa, praying to Allah to help her and give her water for Ismaa’eel, then she climbed to the top of Mount al-Marwah and did the same. Allah sent Jibreel(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) , and he struck the earth, and water appeared.

 

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) agreed that it is mustahabb (recommended) for pilgrims on Hajj and ‘Umrah in particular, and for all Muslims in general, to drink Zamzam water, because of the saheeh hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have drunk the water of Zamzam. (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3/492). According to the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said concerning the water of Zamzam, “It is a blessing, and it is food that satisfies.” (Reported by Muslim, 4/1922). Al-Tayaalisi added, in a version that he narrated: “and a cure for the sick. – but this is when he drinks it with faith and sincerity, as proven in the hadeeth of Abu Dharr al-Ghifaari who stayed in Makkah for a month without any nourishment except Zamzam water.

 

Al-‘Abbaas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The people used to compete over Zamzam during the time of Jaahiliyyah(ignorance). People who had children used to bring them and give them to drink, and this was their early-morning victuals. We used to used to think that it was a help for people who had children.” Al-‘Abbaas said: “During the Jaahiliyyah, Zamzam was known as Shabaa’ah (satisfaction).”Al-‘Allaamah al-Abbi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “(The water) is for whatever purpose it is drunk for, and Allaah made it food and drink for Ismaa’eel and his mother Haajar.”Ibn al-Mubaarak entered Zamzam and said, “O Allaah, Ibn al-Mu’ammal told me, from Abu’l-Zubayr from Jaabir that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for,’ so, O Allaah, I am drinking it (to quench) my thirst on the Day of Resurrection.”

 

Virtues and characteristics of the water of Zamzam

 

The two angels washed the heart of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he was a child, after they had taken it out, then they put it back. Al-Haafiz al-‘Iraaqi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The reason why the Prophet’s chest was washed with Zamzam water was to make him stronger so that he could see the kingdom of heaven and earth, and Paradise and Hell, because one of the special qualities of Zamzam is that it strengthens the heart and calms the soul. The report about the chest of the Prophet (peace be upon him) being washed with the water of Zamzam is proven in the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him), who reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My roof was opened when I was in Makkah, and Jibreel (peace be upon him) came down and opened my chest, then he washed it with Zamzam water. Then he brought a gold basin full of wisdom and faith, poured it into my chest, and closed it up again. Then he took me by the hand and ascended with me into the first heaven.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3/429).

 

It is sunnah to drink one’s fill of Zamzam water and to quench one’s thirst.The fuqaha have mentioned the etiquette that is mustahabb (recommended) when drinking Zamzam water, such as facing the Ka’bah, saying Bismillah, pausing to take a breath three times, drinking one’s fill, praising Allaah after one finishes As regards the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said, “I gave the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) Zamzam water to drink whilst he was standing,” (reported by al-Bukhaari, 3/492), it is taken to mean that it is permissible to drink zamzam whilst standing; showing the utmost respect. The scholars also recommended that the person who drinks Zamzam water should sprinkle some of it on his head, face and chest, make lots of du’aa’ when drinking it, and to drink it for a purpose that will benefit him in this world or the next, because of the hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, 2/1018; see Al-Maqaasid al-Hasanah by al-Sakhaawi, p. 359).

 

It was reported that when Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) drank from the water of Zamzam, he said: “O Allaah, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, plentiful provision and healing from every disease.”

 

Al-Daynoori reported that al-Humaydi said: “We were with Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyaynah, and he told us the hadeeth about the water of Zamzam being drunk for whatever purpose it is drunk for. A man got up and left the gathering, then he came back and said, ‘O Abu Muhammad, is the hadeeth which you told us about the water of Zamzam saheeh?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ The man said, ‘Just now I drank a bucket of Zamzam so that you would tell me one hundred hadeeths.’ Sufyaan said, ‘Sit down,’ so he sat down and he told him one hundred hadeeths.”

 

Some fuqaha’ recommended that people should take some Zamzam water back with them to their countries, because it is a cure for those who seek healing. ‘Aa’ishah(R.A.) reported that she took Zamzam water home with her in bottles, and said, “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) took some of it away with him, and he used to pour it on the sick and give it to them to drink.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 4/37).

 

Al-Haafiz al-Sakhaawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Al-Maqaasid al-Hasanah: “Some people said that the virtue (of Zamzam water) remains only so long as it is in its place (of origin), and that when it is taken away,it changes. This is an idea that has no basis. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wrote to Suhayl ibn ‘Amr: “If my letter reaches you at night, do not wait until morning, and if it reaches you during the day, do not wait until evening, to send me some Zamzam water.” He sent him two containers full, and at that time he was in Madeenah, before the Conquest of Makkah. This hadeeth is hasan because of corroborating evidence. ‘Aa’ishah also used to take Zamzam water away with her, and she reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do this; he used to carry it in small vessels and buckets, and pour it onto the sick and give it to them to drink. Whenever a guest visited Ibn ‘Abbaas he would honour him by giving him Zamzam to drink. ‘Ata’ was asked about taking Zamzam water away, and he said: “The Prophet (peace be upon him), al-Hasan and al-Husayn all took it away with them.”And Allaah knows best. (See: Fath al-Baari,3/493; al-Mughni, 3/445; Nihaayat al-Muhtaaj, Shifa’ al-Gharaam bi Akhbaar al-Balad al-Haraam, by al-‘Iraaqi, 1/258)

 

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Myself and others tried seeking healing with Zamzam water and saw wondrous things. I sought healing with it from a number of illnesses, and I was healed by the permission of Allaah. I saw someone who nourished himself with it for a number of days, half a month or more, and he did not feel hunger; he performed Tawaaf along with the other people just as they did. And he told me that he consumed nothing but Zamzam water for forty days and he had the strength to have intercourse with his wife, to fast and to perform Tawaaf numerous times. (Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/319, 320).

 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah preserve him) said:So you should have the intention of what you want to gain by drinking this water. He should drink his fill, ie. fill his stomach with it until it is filled to the ribs, because this water is good. A hadeeth has been narrated concerning this: the difference between the believers and the hypocrites is drinking one’s fill of Zamzam water.(Narrated by Ibn Maajah)

 

It was reported in Saheeh Muslim that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to Abu Dharr, who had stayed near the Ka’bah and its coverings for forty days and nights with no food or drink other than (Zamzam): “How long have you been here?” Abu Dharr said: “I have been here for thirty days and nights.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Who has been feeding you?” He said, “I have had nothing but Zamzam water, and I have gotten so fat that I have folds of fat on my stomach. I do not feel any of the tiredness or weakness of hunger and I have not become thin.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Verily, it is blessed, it is food that nourishes.” (Narrated by Imaam Muslim, 2473).

 

Some incidents relating to the Miracles of ZamZam

 

Yusria Abdel-Rahman Haraz said that she was affected by a ulcer in her eye. It affected her by a severe headache which could not be cured by tablets. She was about to become blind in the affected eye. She went to a famous doctor who suggested to give her an injection which will stop the headache but it will also dysfunction the affected eye and consequently she will loose the sight in the affected eye. Mrs.Yusria was confident of the mercy of Allah. She thought of performing Umra and supplicated to Allah to cure her. She come to Makkah and performed Tawaf, there were not many people and the areas not crowded, therefore, she could be with the Zamzam water for long time. She washed her eyes. When she came back to the hotel she found that her affected eyes was cured and the ulcer disappeared. This event proves that it is a confirmation of the Hadeeth which says, “Zamzam water fulfils the purpose for which it has been drunk, if you drink it for getting cured Allah cures you, if you drink it for stomach satisfaction Allah will satisfy you and if you drink it for quenching thirst Allah will quench your thirst.” [Refer to El-Dar Gatni and El-Hukm and Zad]

 

There are many of such events, which proves the truth of what Prophet Muhammed(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said and the holy nature of Zamzam water. Dr. Farooque Antar tells his own story. He says that he had been affected by a stone in his ureter and the doctor could not remove or destroy it without a surgical operation. But he postponed the operation two times. Meanwhile he performed Umra and supplicated to Allah to cure him without undergoing operation. He drank from Zamzam water and prayed two Rakaats. Then he felt a benching in his ureter and hurried to relieve himself, only to see the stone come out and he was cured without undergoing a surgical operation. The doctors who were treating Dr. Farooque were surprised at this.

 

A man from Yemen was fond of reading Quran from a small Mushaf. As he became old he found that he couldn’t read Quran easily from that book because his sight was becoming weak. He heard about the water of Zamzam and its advantage of fulfilling the purpose for which it has been drunk. He came to Haj and he drank from Zamzam. He started reading from that small Mushaf of Quran easily and without any sight problems. He achieved what he wanted because he was confident of that and had deep faith in the saying of the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), “The water of Zamzam fulfils the purpose for which it has deep drunk” He was also confident and had deep belief in the Quranic sign in which Allah says, “When my servants ask thee concerning me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he collect on me, let them also with a will listen to my call, and believe in Me. That may walk in the right way”. [2:186] Source: “You ask about the scientific miracles of Quran an Sunna and Shaikh Zindani answers” By Shaikh Abdel Majeed El Zindani

 

Some Ahadeeth about the Zamzam Water:

 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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.” (Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3302).

 

It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) drank it, did wudoo’ with it and poured it on his head. He used to carry Zamzam water in small vessels and large containers in order to pour it on the sick and give it to them to drink. (al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 883).

 

One of the Sahaabah said: we used to call it al-Shabbaa’ah (satisfying) and it helped us to take care our families (ie. it was filling and helped them to do without food, it was also sufficient to nourish children). (al-Silsilat al-Saheehah li’l-Albaani, 2685).

 

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah)

 

The Messenger of Allah, salallahu alayhe wa sallam has said:" The most sublime of all earthly waters is that of zamzam; therein one finds food for the hungry and medicne for the ill." [ At- Tabarani ]

 

"Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it for. When one drinks it to be healed, Allah heals him; when one drinks it to be full, Allah makes him full; and when one drinks it to quench his thrist, Allah quenches it. " [ Ahmad, and Ibn Majah]

 

Since Zamzam water serves whatever purpose and intention for which it is drank; provided it is with sincerity: The scholars and the righteous have tried this and they drank from it with the intention of fulfilling their needs and seeking cure for the sick or relief from poverty or catastrophe and surely Allah eased for them achieving their needs. So next time when one gets the opportunity to drink Zamzam, one should grab the opportunity to pray for: a healthy body, sharp mind, forgiveness for sins, life in Jannah after death, an honorable death on the day of Jummah, and all one's physical and spiritual needs of this world and Hereafter.

 

Article taken (with Thanks) from Al-Islah Publications

 

[ummtaalib]

Zamzam Studies and Research Centre

 

 

 

Unlike other geologic surveys worldwide, the Saudi Geological Survey faces a number of unique responsibilities that arise from its being the major national earth science body of the Kingdom. Foremost of these special responsibilities are the obligations it has towards the well-being and prosperity of the two holiest cities of Islam, Makkah al Mukarramah (Makkah the Holy) and Madinah al Munawwarah (Madinah the Illuminated).

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HM King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz,and his brother, the previous king, HM King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, have taken keen interest in the affairs of Muslims all over the world, and particularly in those matters that affect the Holy Cities. The Zamzam well, which is located within the precinct of the Holy Mosque in Makkah, is sacred to Muslims because of its miraculous origin. Muslims cherish the holy water from the well, and hence Their Majesties’ special interest in and attention to Zamzam in all its aspects.

Under a Royal Decree, the Zamzam Studies and Research Center was created by SGS to secure the supply, in terms of quality and quantity, of the holy water of Zamzam. As a result the Center has set up a series of investigative projects to define, quantify, and monitor the water source, and provide the information needed to manage and sustain supplies in the face of increasing demand by residents and pilgrims.


The Miracle of Zamzam Well

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ccording to Arab historians, the Zamzam Well, except for a few periods when it became dry or was buried under sand, has been in use for around 4000 years. The well marks the site of a spring that, miraculously , had issued forth from a barren and desolate wadi (non perennial stream) where the Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him-pbuh), under Allah's command, had left his wife Hajar and their infant son Ismail (pbuh). In her desperate search for water, Hajar ran seven times back and forth in the scorching heat between the two hills of Safa and Marwa to provide water for Ismail (pbuh), who was dying of thirst. Allah, in His mercy, sent the Angel Gabriel, who scraped the ground, causing the spring to appear. On finding the spring, and fearing that it might run out of water, Hajar enclosed it in sand and stones. The name Zamzam originates from the phrase Zomë Zomë, meaning ‘stop flowing’, a command repeated by Hajar during her attempt to contain the spring water. The area around the spring, which was later converted to a well, became a resting place for caravans, and eventually grew into the trading city of Makkah, birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) later returned to rebuild the first Bait-ul-Allah (House of Allah), originally build by Adam (pbuh). Because of its square shape, it is called The Ka’ba. It is the holiest Muslim shrine. The Ka’ba now stands in the center of the Holy Mosque, also called Al-Haram. The Zamzam well is located within the Holy Mosque at about 20 m east of the Ka’ba.

All able-bodied Muslims with sufficient financial means are obliged to make the pilgrimage to Makkah, known as the Hajj, at least once in lifetime. During the Hajj, pilgrims perform a number of rituals in the Al-Haram and outside Makkah at Muna, Arafat, and Muzdalifa. One of the rituals known as the Umrah, includes Tawaf (seven times circling) of Ka’ba and Sai between the hills of Safa and Marwa, which is to re-enact Hajar’s search for water Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Millions of Umrah pilgrims visit Makkah throughout the year, the peak season being the month of Ramadan. Muslims drink Zamzam water during their visit and also carry it back home.

 

Structure and hydrogeology of the Well

The Zamzam Well is hand-excavated and is about 30.5 m deep, with an internal diameter ranging from 1.08 to 2.66 m. Hydrogeologically, the well lies within Wadi Ibrahim, which runs through the Holy City of Makkah, and taps groundwater from the wadi alluvium and, to a much lesser extent, the underlying fresh bedrock. The well is now housed in a basement room, protected by glass panels that allow a clear view of the well. Electric pumps are used to draw water from the well, replacing the ropes and buckets. No visitor is allowed to enter the Zamzam Well room and surroundings. Outside this room, there was a service area, where cold Zamzam water fountains and dispensing containers were provided for drinking purposes. Recently, the Al-Haram Tawaf area has been extended to cover the entrance to this area and it is no more accessible to pilgrims. Instead, cold Zamzam water fountains and dispensing containers are now placed at the periphery of Tawaf area.

 

The upper 13.5 m of the well is excavated in the sandy alluvium of the Wadi Ibrahim, and the lower 17.0 m in the underlying diorite bedrock. In between lies a 0.5 m thick highly permeable weathered rock. Most of the alluvial section of the well is lined with stone masonry except for the uppermost 1m, which has a reinforced concrete collar.. The weathered rock section is lined with stone and it is this section that provides the main water entry into the well.

 

Research issues and objectives

Zamzam Studies and Research Center at SGS is to provide the required scientific solutions for effective monitoring and management of the aquifer feeding the Zamzam well and to ensure the purity and security of supply. The Center is currently focusing on the following aspects of management of the aquifer, the well and the Zamzam supply and distribution system:

• Monitoring and managing demand to prevent depletion,
• Urbanization of the Wadi Ibrahim catchment and its effect on recharge,
• Management of storm drainage in relation to recharge,
• Maintaining groundwater movement and quality through building controls,
• Upgrading of the Zamzam pumping and storage system,
• Optimization of Zamzam supply and distribution,


Monitoring and managing demand to prevent depletion

With the increasing accessibility of affordable air travel, the number of Muslims visiting the Holy City of Makkah has risen dramatically over the past 3 decades, from around 400,000 per year in the mid 1970’s to over several millions since the mid-1990’s.

Water levels in the Zamzam Well were formerly monitored by a simple drum hydrograph, but this has now been replaced by a more sophisticated real-time multi-parameter monitoring system, which makes digital records of water level' electric conductivity, pH, Eh and Temperature. The datalogger is accessible by SGS through the internet and the data can be examined and downloaded without going to the well. A network of other monitoring wells has also been installed throughout Wadi Ibrahim to monitor the response of the entire aquifer system to the recharge and discharge. Some of these wells are fitted with automatic digital water level recorders. .

With the increasing number of visitors, demand for Zamzam water was continually increasing. SGS’ task is to estimate sustainable well yield and recommend measures to prevent further increase in demand to ensure that sustainable supply limits are not exceeded.

 

Urbanization of the Wadi Ibrahim catchment and its effect on recharge

 

To sustain groundwater supply from wells, aquifers need to be continually recharged, either from direct infiltration of rainwater or from rivers flowing over the aquifer. In arid climates, where there is no permanent surface drainage, natural recharge is limited to rainfall from occasional, brief storms. Supply can be severely threatened during long dry periods, when water is effectively ‘mined’ from the aquifer with no source of replenishment.

The surface area or ‘outcrop’ of the Wadi Ibrahim alluvium covers only 60 square km. Limited recharge of the wadi alluvium aquifer occurs through infiltration of rainwater falling directly on the outcrop, supplemented by run-off from adjacent hillsides. Urban development of Makkah has now extended over the wadi bed, diminishing the already meager amount of rainwater infiltration into the underlying aquifer due to surface sealing and channeling of rainwater into storm drainage systems.

Modeling of aquifer recharge is therefore crucial to ensure that supply and demand for Zamzam water is appropriately balanced. The Zamzam Studies and Research Center is therefore assessing and quantifying the effects of urbanization on recharge, and developing recommendations for planning controls to limit further development on the outcrop of the wadi alluvium aquifer.

 

Management of storm drainage in relation to recharge

 

 

Storm drains are designed specifically to prevent flooding by capturing rainwater falling on sealed urban surfaces such as roads and buildings, and carry the water away into wadis or into safe areas where it can be allowed to flood, infiltrate into the ground or evaporate. The Center has in undertaken intensive modeling of natural drainage patterns with Wadi Ibrahim catchment are in order to define ways and means of harnessing storm water.

 

Maintaining groundwater movement and quality through building controls

 

Makkah is unusual among Saudi Araban cities because of its high proportion of relatively high-rise buildings, some of which are many decades old. High-rise development continues to present a solution to urban expansion over the Wadi Ibrahim catchment are, but the deep foundations required can expose the water table to contamination and also restrict groundwater movement. Strict building controls are therefore required for allowing high rise developments in sensitive areas, indicated by near real-time maps and models of the water table elevation calculated from monitoring well data, and by risk assessments of the likely impact on groundwater quality. Engineering geology maps of Makkah also help to highlight zones of lower development risk.

The Zamzam Studies and Research Center aims to present solutions to these complex and inter-related problems through a modern, integrated and multi-faceted approach to water catchment management and conservation. Through these actions, the quality and quantity of supply from the Zamzam Well can continue to be sustained to meet the spiritual needs of the world’s one billion Muslims.

 

Upgrading of Zamzam pumping and storage system

In order to manage demand water from Zamzam well is pumped, treated and stored in underground storage tanks a continual basis. Before distribution to consumers and transportation to Madinah Zamzam water is treated by a series of sand filters, micro filters and ultraviolet disinfection. Zamzam Studies and Research Center is engaged in design of upgrading the treatment system. Already, two phases of upgrading have been completed and the third phase is in active consideration. Moreover, the Center strictly follow these activities and ensures strict quality assurance measures.

 

Optimization of Zamzam supply and distribution

All pilgrims carry Zamzam water back home usually in plastic containers of 10 or 20 liters size, which they fill themselves from several filling points, situated around the Al-Haram and at a central filling station. But, more commonly they buy the filled containers from roadside venders on the outskirts of Makkah. This distribution system is wanting in hygiene and offsets the efforts of treatment. Therefore, Zamzam Studies and Research Center is in the process of evaluation of the present filling system and design of upgrading that will minimize direct human involvement and discourage peddling by venders.
 

 

Structure and hydrogeology of the Well

 

The Zamzam Well is hand-excavated and is about 30.5 m deep, with an internal diameter ranging from 1.08 to 2.66 m. hydrogeologically, the well lies within Wadi Ibrahim, which runs through the Holy City of Makkah, and taps groundwater from the wadi alluvium and, to a much lesser extent, the underlying fresh bedrock. The well is now housed in a basement room, protected by glass panels that allow a clear view of the well. Electric pumps are used to draw water from the well, replacing the ropes and buckets. No visitor is allowed to enter the Zamzam Well room and surroundings. Outside this room, there was a service area, where cold Zamzam water fountains and dispensing containers were provided for drinking purposes. Recently, the Al-Haram Tawaf area has been extended to cover the

 

entrance to this area and it is no more accessible to pilgrims. Instead, cold Zamzam water fountains and dispensing containers are now placed at the periphery of Tawaf area.

 

The upper 13.5 m of the well is excavated in the sandy alluvium of the Wadi Ibrahim, and the lower 17.0 m in the underlying diorite bedrock. In between lies a 0.5 m thick highly permeable weathered rock. Most of the alluvial section of the well is lined with stone masonry except for the uppermost 1m, which has a reinforced concrete collar.. The weathered rock section is lined with stone and it is this section that provides the main water entry into the well.

 

Article taken (with Thanks) from Saudi Geological Society

 

 

Both articles taken from central-mosque.com

[ummtaalib]

Scientists prove Zamzam is the best water on earth

 

16 October 2011

No matter how exhausted we are, a drink of cold invigorating Zamzam water miraculously makes us experience a burst of energy. Scientists are discovering some of the secrets in Zamzam water’s power to replenish the body.

After conducting extensive research of the chemical and physical properties of Zamzam water, Dr. Hamdi Saif at Alexandria University concluded that Zamzam is the best water on the face of the earth. He found that it contains the perfect balance of electrolytes and also essential trace minerals that are very important for good health. In addition, it is naturally clean and pure, and free of even a single pathogenic microorganism.

“Zamzam water is extremely useful in aiding the treatment of kidney and heart diseases, eye problems, migraine headaches, and a number of other chronic conditions,” said Dr. Saif.

Zamzam water was analyzed across laboratories in the Arab world and in Europe and was compared to regular bottled water from several countries.
Disclosing the results of analysis, Dr. Saif said, “Unlike any other water, Zamzam contains a good amount of calcium, magnesium, and fluoride. It is the unique properties that make Zamzam water so invigorating for fatigued pilgrims.”

“We also found that Zamzam is safe to drink has no expiration date. Zamzam water is 100 percent natural and there is no chlorine in it, nor is it chemically treated in any way,” he said.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20111016110598

[ummtaalib]

Zamzam Water to Non-Muslims

 

Q. I recently returned from Umrah and my non-Muslim neigbour has asked my for some zamzam water. Is it permissible to give non-Muslims zamzam water?

 

(Query published as received)

 

A. There is no prohibition against giving non-Muslims ZamZam water. During the time of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), the non-Muslims of Makkah used to drink ZamZam water and he (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) did not object to it. However, considering that the water of ZamZam is highly blessed and precious to Muslims, it should be shared sparingly with non-Muslims as generally a non-Muslim will not attach the same amount of respect and value to the water as a Muslim. (Seeratul Mustafa).

 

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has pointed out the distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims with regards to ZamZam water:

 

“The difference between us (Muslims) and the hypocrites is that they cannot fill themselves up with (fresh) ZamZam” (Ibn Majah, Hadith #: 3061)

 

 

And Allah Knows Best

Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed

 

Fatwa Department

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Council of Muslim Theologians

[MUSLIM WOMAN]

 

Do we have to drink zam zam water standing up facing qibla?

 

Q: Do we have to drink zam zam water standing up facing qibla?


A: This is not compulsory. However since it is preferable for one to recite the masnoon dua at the time of drinking Zam Zam, and it is also preferable to face the qibla when making dua, hence it is better for one to face the qiblah while drinking Zam Zam (after completing one's dua). 

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

آداب الدعاء عشرة: أي إن قام يدعو يستقبل القبلة ويرفع يده بحيث يرى بياض إبطيه، قال النبي - عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ -: «إن ربكم حيي كريم فيستحي من عبده إذا رفع يده أن يردها صفرا» ، وكذا ذكره ركن الإسلام محمد بن أبي بكر في شرعة الإسلام في فضل سنن الدعاء بعد ذكره شرائط كثيرة ويبدأ بالدعاء لنفسه ويرفع يديه إلى المنكبين ويجعل باطن كفيه مما يلي وجهه، ولم يقنع بهذا حتى وجه رواية في " المبسوط "(بناية 2/588)

( يرفعهما كالدعاء ) والرفع فيه وفي الاستسقاء مستحب ( فيبسط يديه ) حذاء صدره ( نحو السماء ) لأنها قبلة الدعاء ويكون بينهما فرجة والإشارة بمسبحته لعذر كبرد يكفي والمسح بعده على وجهه سنة في الأصح شرنبلالية

قال الشامي : قوله ( فيبسط يديه حذاء صدره ) كذا روي عن ابن عباس من فعل النبي قنية عن تفسير السمان ولا ينافيه ما في المستخلص للإمام أبي القاسم السمرقندي أن من آداب الدعاء أن يدعو مستقبلا ويرفع يديه بحيث يرى بياض إبطيه لإمكان حمله على حالة المبالغة والجهد وزيادة الاهتمام كما في الاستسقاء لعود النفع إلى العامة وهذا على ما عداها ولذا قال في حديث الصحيحين وكان لا يرفع يديه في شيء من دعائه إلا في الإستسقاء فإنه يرفع يديه حتى يرى بياض إبطيه أي لا يرفع كل الرفع كذا في شرح المنية ومثله في شرح الشرعة  (رد المحتار 1/ 507)

قال الشامي : قوله ( شرب من ماء زمزم ) أي قائما مستقبلا القبلة متضلعا منه متنفسا فيه مرارا ناظرا في كل مرة إلى البيت ماسحا به وجهه ورأسه وجسده صابا منه على جسده إن أمكن كما في البحر وغيره (رد المحتار 2/ 524)

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

[ummtaalib]

Question

What is the correct way according to sunnah of drinking Zamzam water sitting or standing?

 

Answer

(Fatwa: 1220/1028/B=1433)

Zamzam is very sacred and holy water. Hence it is better and mustahab to drink it while standing. However, if someone drank it sitting then it is also lawful.

 

Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best

Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband

[MUSLIM WOMAN]

 

[ummtaalib]

Diluting Zam-Zam with normal water

 

Q. Does Zam-Zam remain Zam-Zam if it is diluted with normal water?

 

A. By diluting Zam-Zam water with normal water, the blessings of Zam-Zam will not decrease but will remain the same.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

 

Confirmation: 

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

 

(Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh) 

 

Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) 
Council of Muslim Theologians

[adyiqbal]

Can we take bath with ZamZam Water? Please guide.

[Bint e Aisha]

Question

What is your opinion about making istinjā’ with zamzam water? Here so many people make wudhu’ with zam-zam water. Is this appropriate?

Answer:

Bismillāhi Taʿala,

Waʿlaikum Assalām Waraḥmatullāh,

If one is in state of ṭahārah (free from any ritual or physical impurity) and already has wuḍū’, then it is permissible to do wuḍū’ merely to attain barakah of zamzam. Similarly, it is permissible to take barakahfrom it by soaking some cloth in it.

If one is not in the state of wuḍū’, then there are two possibilities. Either there is other water available or not. If there is other water available, then using zamzam for doing wuḍū’ will be makrūh. However if out of need while there is no other means of making the wuḍū’, using zamzam will not be makrūh.

If on is not in a state of ṭahārah (either has physical najāsah, or is junub), then it is remain makrūh to use zamzam. The same will apply for removing any physical impurity from one’s body or cloth.

Similarly, making istinjā’ with zamzam is always makruh. According to some fuqahā’ it is even harāmto use zamzam for istinjā’. Fiqhi books mention that some incidents have been recorded where people used zamzam for istinjā’ and were affected by piles disease.

Nontheless, zamzam is blessed water, and should be afforded its honour. It is inappropriate to use it otherwise in places of dishonor. [1]

Wallāhu Aʿlam,

Wassalamu ʿalaykum, 

Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi
www.fatwa.ca

[1] يجوز الوضوء والغسل بماء زمزم عندنا غير كراهة بل ثوابه أكبر وفصل صاحب "لباب المناسك" آخر الكتاب فقال: يجوز الاغتسال والتوضؤ بماء زمزم إن كان على طهارة للتبرك فلا ينبغي أن يغتسل به جنب ولا محدث ولا في مكان نجس ولا يستنجي به ولا يزال به نجاسة حقيقة وعن بعض العلماء تحريم ذلك, وقيل: إن بعض الناس استنجى به فحصل له باسور اه (حاشية الطحطاوي على مراقي الفلاح شرح نور الإيضاح (ص: 21))

(قوله: بلا كراهة) أشار بذلك إلى فائدة التصريح به مع دخوله في قوله وآبار وسيذكر الشارح في آخر كتاب الحج أنه يكره الاستنجاء بماء زمزم لا الاغتسال. اهـ. فاستفيد منه أن نفي الكراهة خاص في رفع الحدث بخلاف الخبث. (الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (1/ 180))

أما الوضوء به لمن كان طاهر الأعضاء فلا أعلم في جوازه خلافا بل صرح باستحبابه غير واحد نقلا عن ابن حبيب. وكذلك لا أعلم في جواز الغسل به لمن كان طاهر الأعضاء خلافا بل صرح ابن حبيب أيضا باستحباب الغسل به قال فضل بن مسلمة في اختصار الواضحة لابن حبيب ويستحب لمن حج أن يستكثر من ماء زمزم تبركا ببركته يكون منه شربه ووضوءه واغتساله ما أقام بمكة ويكثر من الدعاء عند شربه انتهى، ويؤخذ استحباب الغسل أيضا من كلام اللخمي (مواهب الجليل في شرح مختصر خليل (1/ 46))

 

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