Benefits of Zamzam water in Islam
Have you heard about the miracle of Ibrahim’s (AS) son Ismail (AS) and the struggle of his mother Hajer (RA) in the desert? Situated on the eastern side of the Sacred Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 35 metres deep, Zamzam is a well storing the purest and holiest water on Earth and in Islam.
Keep reading to learn the benefits of Zamzam water.
What Is Zamzam Water?
The well of Zamzam is a sacred well located in Masjid al-Haram, 21 metres east of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The 4000-year-old well is said to be a miracle of Allah SWT for Ibrahim’s (AS) son Ismail (AS).
Millions of Muslim pilgrims visit the well of Zamzam each year, either during Umrah or Hajj. They use the water to quench their thirst and cleanse themselves. The 35-metre deep Zamzam well taps the purest groundwater from wadi alluvium. Other names of Zamzam water include Taybah, Brah, Maymounah, Barakah, Muathibah, Afiyah, Kafiyah, and Siqayatal-Hajj.
What Does Zamzam Mean?
Zamzam is derived from the Arabic word “Zome zome,” which literally means “stop flowing.” The word Zamzam is said to come from the words Hajer (RA) said to the Archangel Jibril AS which meant ‘Contain it’, i.e. let the water pool together in one spot.
In another instance, it is said that the name Zamzam was given by Abdul Muttalib when he discovered the hidden well and gave it the title based on its fresh taste and abundant nature.
Is Zamzam Water a Miracle?
Indeed, the well of Zamzam is one of the most amazing miracles of Allah SWT in Islam. Left in the middle of a desert under stifling heat by Ibrahim (AS), baby Ismail (AS), and Hajar (RA) were in desperate need of water.
Seeing her baby cry in thirst, the helpless mother started running between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of food, water, or help. She called out to Allah SWT, asking for help and mercy. That is when the Almighty commanded Angel Jibreel (AS) to go down and help them out. Upon arriving, Angel Jibreel (AS) dug through the sand and miraculously unearthed the well of Zamzam.
While referring to the miracle of Zamzam, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “If Allah wills good for someone, He afflicts them with trials.” (Sahih Al Bukhari)
Ibn Abbas reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said: “The water of Zamzam is good for whatever one intends (while drinking it). If you drink it seeking health, Allah will give you healing.
If you drink it to satisfy your hunger, Allah will satisfy your hunger. If you drink it to quench your thirst, Allah will quench your thirst. Zamzam is a well dug by the Angel Jibreel by which Allah quenched the thirst of Ismail.”
Will Zamzam Water Ever Run Out?
Did you know that once Zamzam water was pumped at a rate of 8000 liters per second? This resulted in the water level dropping to almost 44 feet below the surface.
However, as soon as the pumping was stopped, the water level immediately rose to 13 feet in less than 11 minutes. Amazing.
According to a renowned geology professor, Abbas Sharaqi, the 4000-year-old well of Zamzam will never run out of water as it is connected to renewable groundwater, with rain being the primary source.
He also added that Zamzam water would never dry out except under specific environmental conditions.
List of Benefits of Zamzam Water
Zamzam water is a common “souvenir” that Muslims receive from their friends and family upon returning from Makkah after performing Hajj or Umrah. Some health benefits of Zamzam water are as follows:
Healthy Bones and Teeth
Our teeth and bones need calcium to maintain their resistance. Even though the primary and most common source of calcium is drinking milk or consuming dairy products, little do people know that Zamzam water is very rich in calcium.
It also comprises high levels of fluoride, which balances the calcium levels in the human body and keeps bones and teeth healthy. In addition to this, Zamzam water also prevents premature birth and vaginal discharge.
Energizes Human Cells
Zamzam water isn’t only a source of quenching one’s thirst but is also a proven source of bodily nourishment. Dr. Knut Pfeiffer, a German scientist and the head of the largest medical centre in Munich, studied Zamzam water and claimed that holy water can strengthen human cells.
He stated that Zamzam water has the power to reinforce and amplify the cells within the human body.
The sacred water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium that also help address depression and fatigue. Drinking Zamzam is highly recommended among pregnant women as it minimises the risk of anxiety and fatigue during pregnancy.
Research has also proven that Zamzam water reportedly enhances metabolism in the human body and increases blood platelets.
Good Source of Fluids
According to Dr. Yahya Koshak, Zamzam water contains a great number of bicarbonates (366mg/I to be exact) which is even better and higher than those found in the water from the French Alps (bicarbonates-357mg/I) in Europe.
This makes Zamzam water rich in minerals and fluoride such that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would spend days surviving only on the sacred water. Dr. Masaru Emoto said that Zamzam water has a unique and tidy molecular structure that features twelve different enthralling colors.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 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)
Helps Cure Several Diseases
Research indicates that Zamzam water helps in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, congenital cataracts, and nephrogenic problems.
The holy water also helps stimulate the reproductive system. Zamzam water is said to even have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and properties that help fight cancer.
Benefits of Zamzam Water for Skin
Contained in a 35-metre-deep well in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, comprising 366 mg/I bicarbonates, Zamzam water is considered to be the purest on Earth.
Its germicidal, alkaline, and antibacterial nature combined with a well-balanced amount of fluoride, minerals, vitamins, calcium, and magnesium makes Zamzam water the best natural detoxifier for the body and skin.
The pores on your skin absorb anything that’s applied on it and carry it into your bloodstream. Therefore, if you want your skin to glow and look fresh, apply a few drops of Zamzam water to it.
The Companion Abu Dharr RAH is known to have survived purely on Zamzam water for over a week and increased in body weight.
According to Islamic scriptures, Zamzam water contains all the nutrients and elements that one needs in order for the body to function at an optimum level, helping control fatigue and hunger.
Moreover, Zamzam isn’t only a natural skin healer as described in different Holy Books, including the Holy Quran and the Bible, but it also has skin cell enhancing and repairing qualities.
According to Dr. Knut Pfeiffer, Zamzam water tends to strengthen the human body’s cell system and increase energy levels. This results in regenerating damaged cells, giving you supple, healthy skin.
The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “Water of Zamzam is good for whatever (purpose) it has been drank.” Prophet (PBUH) also said: “Water of Zamzam is a healer of every disease. It is the place where Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) indicated it and dug it, and it is the water of Allah that made Ismail (to be the first) to drink it.”
Mentions of Zamzam in the Quran and Hadith
The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT 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)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “May Allah SWT have mercy upon the mother of Ismail (AS). If she had not hastened to take water, the Zamzam well would have become a flowing spring.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Abu Jamra Ab-Dabi (RA) reported: “I used to sit with Ibn Abbas (RA) in Makkah. Once I had a fever, and he said (to me), ‘Cool your fever with Zamzam water, for Allah’s SWT Messenger (PBUH) said, ‘It, (the fever) is from the heat of the (Hell) fire. So, cool it with Zamzam water.”” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Ibn al-Qayyim 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 Allah. 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.”
Muhammad bin Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr (RA) said, “I was sitting with Ibn Abbas (RA), and a man came to him he said, ‘Where have you come from?’ The man replied, ‘From Zamzam.’ He said, ‘Did you drink from it as you should?’ The man asked, ‘How is that?’ He answered, ‘When you drink from it, turn to face the Qiblah and mention the name of Allah SWT, drink three draughts and drink your fill of it. When you have finished, then praise Allah SWT.'” (Ibn Majah)
Ibn Abbas (RA), when asked about the etiquettes of drinking Zamzam, said: “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) drank Zamzam water while standing.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
He also narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT would make the following prayer while drinking Zamzam water, “O Allah SWT, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, increase in provision, and cure of illness.”
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported, “The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, ‘Verily, a sign between us and the hypocrites is that they do not drink Zamzam water.'” (Ibn Majah)
Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) said, “Ibn Abbas reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said: ‘The water of Zamzam is good for whatever one intends (while drinking it). If you drink it seeking health, Allah will give you healing. If you drink it to satisfy your hunger, Allah will satisfy your hunger. If you drink it to quench your thirst, Allah will quench your thirst. Zamzam is a well dug by the angel Jibreel by which Allah quenched the thirst of Ismail.'” (Ibn Majah)
Hisham bin Urwah (RA) narrated from his father about Aisha (RA), “She would carry Zamzam water, and she would say, ‘Indeed the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT would carry it.'” (Tirmidhi) Even today, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims carry Zamzam water with them while performing the obligatory rituals of pilgrimage and traveling to Medinah or their home country.
In another Islamic scripture, it is reported: “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) drank it (Zamzam), did wudu 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.” (Silsilat Al-Saheehah)
One of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “We used to call it al-Shabbaa’ah (satisfying), and it helped us to take care our families.” (i.e., 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)
Summary – Benefits of Zamzam Water
During pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah), Muslims not only drink Zamzam water but use it to cleanse themselves. Pilgrims also make sure to bring it back home for their friends and family. From being the purest form of water to having great healing properties, the discoveries related to Zamzam water have left scientists baffled.
It has the perfect balance of nutritional composition and minerals that purifies your mind, body, and soul.
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