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The Virtues of Zamzam Water

Sajid Holy
26 Feb, 2025

The Virtues of Zamzam Water

The best water on the surface of the earth is none other than Zamzam Water—a source of immense blessings and healing.

Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) described it as:

“Zamzam water is the best and noblest of all waters, the highest in status, the dearest to people, and the most precious. It was dug by Jibreel and is the water with which Allah quenched the thirst of Isma’eel.”

A Cure for Ailments

Narrated by Abu Jamra Ad-Dabi:

“I used to sit with Ibn `Abbas in Makkah. Once, I had a fever, and he said to me: ‘Cool your fever with Zamzam water, for Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said:

‘It (fever) is from the heat of the Hellfire, so cool it with water (or Zamzam water).’”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Fulfilling One’s Intentions

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3062 – Hasan)

Many of the righteous predecessors acted upon this hadith. For example, Ibn Mubarak (رحمه الله) once drank Zamzam water and asked Allah to quench his thirst on the Day of Judgment.

A Source of Nourishment

In an authentic narration from Sahih Muslim, it was reported that Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) stayed near the Ka‘bah for forty days and nights without consuming anything except Zamzam water. When the Prophet (ﷺ) met him, he asked:

“How long have you been here?”

Abu Dharr replied: “Thirty days and nights.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) asked, “Who has been feeding you?”

Abu Dharr said: “I have had nothing but Zamzam water, yet I have grown so strong that I have folds of fat on my stomach. I do not feel any weakness or hunger.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) then said:

“Verily, it is blessed; it is food that nourishes.”

(Sahih Muslim, 2473)

Healing Properties of Zamzam Water

Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) shared his personal experience regarding the healing power of Zamzam:

“I sought healing with Zamzam water for various illnesses, and by Allah’s permission, I was cured. I also knew a man who survived solely on Zamzam water for forty days, yet he maintained his strength, fasted, performed Tawaf, and even had the energy to fulfill his marital duties.”

(Zaad al-Ma‘aad, 4/319-320)

Why Is Zamzam Water Not Sweet?

Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar (رحمه الله) once asked Shaykh Ibn ‘Arafah why Zamzam water is not sweet. Ibn ‘Arafah replied:

“It is not sweet so that drinking it remains an act of worship, not just a matter of pleasure.”

Ibn Hajar admired this response and was delighted by it. (Mufeed al-Anaam by Ibn Jasar, 4/255)

Similarly, Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) said:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.’ This is because Zamzam water is not naturally sweet; rather, it has a slight saltiness. A true believer drinks it purely out of faith in its blessings, and filling oneself with it (تضلع) is a sign of iman.”

(Sharh al-Mumti’, 7/348)

Scholars Who Made Wishes with Zamzam

Throughout history, numerous scholars have made supplications while drinking Zamzam water, and Allah granted their wishes. Among them are Imam al-Shafi'i, al-Hakim, al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Hajar, and many others.

Some of them sought blessings for worldly affairs, while others made religious supplications.

It was reported that the father of Ibn al-Jawzi made dua while drinking Zamzam, asking Allah to grant him a child who would become a great scholar. His wish was fulfilled with the birth of Ibn al-Jawzi (رحمه الله)—one of the most prominent scholars of his time.

Authenticity of the Hadith on Zamzam's Blessings

The famous hadith:

“The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.”

has been a subject of scholarly discussion regarding its authenticity. While some scholars questioned its chain of narration, others—such as Sufyan ibn Uyaynah, Ibn Khuzaymah, and Ibn Hajar (رحمهم الله)—authenticated it and affirmed its meaning.

As for me, I follow the position of these great scholars, who declared the hadith to be authentic.

A Sign of True Believers

Filling one’s stomach with Zamzam water is a distinguishing sign of a believer, as it demonstrates faith in its divine blessings. It serves as a criterion between a believer and a hypocrite—for the true believer recognizes its barakah and seeks its virtues.

May Allah grant us the ability to drink Zamzam with sincerity and benefit from its countless blessings. Ameen.