What is the story of zamzam water?

The story of the water of zamzam is about faith, trust in God, and divine mercy, symbolised by the miraculous spring that appeared in a barren desert where survival seemed impossible.

Zamzam water is a miracle which is commemorated by the sacred pilgrimages of hajj and umrah.

When we undertake the blessed pilgrimages, we not only replicate the sacrifice undertaken by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), we also follow in the footsteps of Hajar – the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and mother to Ismail (AS). It was through Hajar that the miracle of zamzam water took place in the desert.

According to Islamic belief, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), was commanded by God to leave his wife Hajar and their infant son Ismail (AS), in the barren desert valley of Bakkah (later called Mecca — a place with no water, no vegetation, and no people.

After Ibrahim (AS) left, their small supply of food and water soon ran out. Hajar became desperate as her baby cried from thirst.

In her distress, Hajar ran back and forth between 2 nearby hills, Safa and Marwah, desperately searching for water. She did this 7 times, firmly believing that God would not abandon her. This act is now commemorated by pilgrims during hajj and umrah as the ritual of Sa’i.

As a reward for her tawakkul (faith in God) Allah (SWT) sent the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). He struck the ground near Ismail’s feet, and water miraculously began to gush out.

Hajar quickly tried to contain the water, saying “zamzam” (often interpreted as ‘stop, stop’ or ‘stay gathered’), which is how the well got its name.

The zamzam well still exists today in Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, close to the Kaaba.

Traditionally, the well was an open source of water in a sandy valley, with early pilgrims drawing water using buckets.

Muslims believe zamzam water first appeared miraculously when God provided it for Hajar and her son Ismail (AS) in the desert.

Today, the well is no longer directly accessible to the public, and modern pilgrims do not usually see the well itself.

The original well is now housed in a secured underground chamber beneath the mosque floor.

Modern pilgrims encounter zamzam water through dispensers placed throughout Masjid al‑Haram. Most airlines also allow pilgrims to take a 5-liter bottle of zamzam water on an international flight home after hajj or umrah.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

Muslims therefore believe that zamzam water can provide blessings depending on one’s intention when drinking it. For example, drinking the water with the intention of, and at the same time making dua for improved health, is believed to have health benefits.

In this sacred month of Dhul Hijjah, we walk in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family.

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