How to drink Zamzam water – Correct etiquettes

Located within the boundaries of Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the well of Zamzam is said to have the purest water in the world. It’s situated 20 metres east of the Holy Kaaba. Considered a living miracle, the well of Zamzam has provided a continuous water supply for more than 4000 years.

Even today, the well of Zamzam satisfies the thirst of millions of pilgrims. However, there are specific etiquettes that one should follow when drinking Zamzam water. Keep reading to learn the Sunnah way of how to drink Zamzam water.

What Is Zamzam Water?

According to Islamic history, Zamzam was discovered by the second wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) Hajer (RA) and her infant son, Prophet Ismail (AS). It was a miracle from Allah SWT when Hajer (RA) ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of water for her son.

It is believed that by the end of Hajer’s (RA) seventh round, water miraculously sprouted from underground. The water kept flowing, until Hajer (RA) said, “Zam Zam,” (meaning “stop flowing”) to it, hence the name.

Drinking Zamzam water is considered mustahab (recommended) in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has encouraged his Ummah to drink the water of Zamzam, especially when going for Hajj or Umrah.

Ibn Abbas (RA) 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 SWT will give you healing. If you drink it to satisfy your hunger, Allah SWT will satisfy your hunger. If you drink it to quench your thirst, Allah SWT will quench your thirst. Zamzam is a well dug by the Angel Jibreel (AS) by which Allah SWT quenched the thirst of Ismail.”

“Zamzam will benefit for the purpose of what is intended while drinking it.” (Musnad Aḥmad, Ibn Mājah)

“The best water on the face of the earth is Zamzam, it serves as nourishment and cure.” (Ṭabrani)

“Zamzam is food for the one who seeks food and it is the cure for illnesses.” (Sahih)

Etiquettes of Drinking Zamzam Water

Zamzam has the most barakah of all the sources of water in this world. Therefore, there are special etiquettes that one must follow when drinking the holy water, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Ibn Majah (RA) reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when asked about the right way to drink Zamzam water said, “When you drink from Zamzam, turn to face the qiblah and mention the name of Allah SWT, drink three sips and drink your fill of it. When you have finished, then praise Allah SWT.”

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “The sign [that differentiates] between us and the hypocrites is that they do not drink their fill from Zamzam.” (Ibn Majah)

How to Make Dua When Drinking Zamzam Water

Ibn Majah (RA) reported that the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT instructed the Muslim Ummah to: “Recite Bismillah (In the name of God) before drinking.”

According to Islamic history, Ibn Abbas (RA) used to recite the following dua while drinking Zamzam water: Allahumma inni as’aluka `ilman nafi`aaa, wa rizqan wasi`aaa, wa shifa’am min kulli da’i

“O Allah! I ask you for beneficial knowledge, and plentiful sustenance and cure from every illness.”

Therefore, in light of the aforementioned ahadith, if you want to make dua while drinking Zamzam water, start by reciting “Bismillah,” followed by making a strong intention for whatever you wish, and drink the Zamzam water in three gulps while facing the Qiblah (Sacred Kaaba).

Also once you have finished the glass of Zamzam, “Say Alḥamdulillāh (All praise is for God) after drinking.” (Ibn Majah)

Make Supplications While Drinking Zamzam Water

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” (Hisnul Hasin, Ibn Majah, 2/1018)

Al-Dar Qutni reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised Muslims to: “Recite supplications.”

Zamzam water isn’t ordinary water. It is believed that Zamzam can provide healing to those who seek to heal; it can quench the thirst of those who are thirsty and can even satisfy hunger of those who are starving.

Why should we face the Qiblah when drinking Zamzam water?

Ibn Abbas (RA) said that a person should drink Zamzam water while facing the Qiblah. (Sunan Ibn Majah 3061)

Can We Stand and Drink Zamzam Water?

Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that: “I served Zamzam water to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and he drank it while standing.” (Sunan an-Nasai, 2965)

From this hadith it is taken to mean that Zamzam is permissible to drink whilst standing, and the disapproval by scholars of doing so is understood to mean that it is disliked.

Drink Zamzam Water Full of Stomach

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “The sign (that differentiates) between us and the hypocrites is that they do not drink Zamzam till they are full.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3061)

Therefore, it is advised that a person should drink as much Zamzam water as they can and then be grateful to Allah SWT for blessing them with the opportunity of drinking the holy water.

Drink Zamzam Water in 3 Gulps

The general guidance on drinking water is not to drink it in one gulp but to space it out into three.

Imaam Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported: “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to drink in three sips, breathing outside the container.”

Ibn Qataadah (RA) also narrated that: “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade breathing into the container when drinking.”

Therefore, a person should make sure that they drink Zamzam water in three gulps.

Sprinkle Some Zamzam Water on Your Chest, Head and Face and Make Lots of Dua

According to Islamic scholars, it is a Sunnah to sprinkle some drops of Zamzam water over your chest, head, and face.

Ibn e Abbas (RA) said that, “O Allah SWT, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, healing from every disease and copious provision”. Al-Daynoori narrated that al-Humaydi said, “We were with Sufyaan ibn Uyaynah and he told us the hadith about the Zamzam water being drunk for whatever purpose it is drunk for. One man got up and left then he came back and said, ‘O Abu Muhammad is the hadith that you told us saheeh?’ He said, ‘Yes!’ Then the man said, ‘Just now I drank a bucket of Zamzam water so that you would tell me a hundred hadiths.’ Abu Sufyaan said to the man, ‘Sit down,’ when he sat down he told him one hundred hadiths.”

What Happens When You Drink Zamzam Water?

Zamzam is one of the purest waters in the world. Drinking Zamzam has several health benefits which have been shown medically as well. According to Dr. Knut Pfeiffer, a German scientist, drinking Zamzam water enhances energy in human cells. Moreover, Zamzam water is abundant in Magnesium and Calcium, giving it excellent healing properties. Zamzam water may also reduce heartburn and acidity, decrease fatigue, and encourages the growth of healthy bones.

What Does the Quran Say about Zamzam Water?

There is no mention of Zamzam water in the Quran. The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT has on several occasions highlighted the significance of drinking water from the miraculous well. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best water on the face of the earth is Zamzam water. In it is food for nourishment and healing for illness.” (al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr 11011)

Can You Drink Zamzam Water While on Period?

Yes, it is permissible for women to drink Zamzam water during their menses. Not only this, but women can even wash their face with it.

Can You Drink Zamzam Water While Fasting?

When a person observes a fast, they abstain from drinking and eating anything from sunrise till sunset. This includes Zamzam water. Therefore, the answer to the question is “No.” You are not allowed to drink Zamzam water while fasting. Doing so will break your fast. However, you can drink Zamzam water at iftar.

Can You Take a Bath with Zamzam?

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said concerning Zamzam: “It is blessed and it is food that nourishes.” Because of its holy nature some scholars believe it is makruh to use Zamzam for ritual bathing (ghusl) and hence it should be avoided unless no other water is available.

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