“The best water on the face of the earth is Zam Zam, it serves as nourishment and cure.” (Ṭabrānī)
Within Islam, Zam Zam Water is an important resource and miracle from Allah (SWT). But while many of us understand the significance of Zam Zam from the story of Prophet Ismail (AS), how many of us know the antiques of how to drink Zam Zam Water?
What Is So Special About Zam Zam Water
Zam Zam first emerged as a miraculous source of water that sprang from beneath the feet of Prophet Ismail (AS), son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), when he was an infant. It is seen as an incredible sign of Allah's (SWT) power, as it was He who sent Jibreel to answer the plea of Hajar, Ismail’s (AS) mother, to Him to quench the thirst of her child. Why the water is called Zam Zam comes from the phrase Hajar called out, “Zom! Zom!” (Stop! Stop!), as the water kept flowing in abundance.
Drinking from the Zam Zam Well is also a mustahabb or recommended practice for all Muslims. This is regarded by many Islamic scholars to be especially true for pilgrims attending Hajj or ‘Umrah, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) drank the water of Zamzam. (Sahih Bukhari).
Likewise, Zam Zam Water is known to have many health benefits. Due to its properties, it is considered one of the purest and most spiritually-healing bodies of water on earth. According to a hadith narrated by Abu Dharr (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) said concerning the water of Zam Zam, “It is a blessing, and it is food that satisfies.” (Sahih Muslim).
The Prophet (PBUH), in turn, carried out certain actions when drinking Zam Zam water. Therefore, it is only natural that we should also follow his example to reap the most benefits when drinking Zam Zam.
Etiquettes of Drinking Zam Zam Water Within hadith, these were the actions Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions took while drinking Zam Zam.
- Recite BismAllāh (In the name of God) before drinking. (Ibn Mājah)
- Recite supplications (Al-Dār Quṭnī).
- Face the Qiblah if possible. (IbnʿAsākir, Ibn Mājah)
- Drink in three (or an odd number of) sips. (Abū Dāwūd)
- Drink your fill or as much as you can. (Ibn Mājah)
- Recite Alḥamdulillāh (All praise is for God) after drinking. (Ibn Mājah)
It is also permissible to drink Zam Zam while standing, especially in times when we are in crowded places or places we cannot sit. Ibn Abbas reported that he “served Zam Zam water to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)”, who “drank it while standing.” (An-Nasai)
Whether we sit or stand while drinking Zam Zam, one of the most important parts of consuming Zam Zam is to purify our intentions and complete the etiquettes with sincerity. For the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Zam Zam will benefit for the purpose of what is intended, while drinking it.” (Ibn Majah).
One such supplication made by Ibn ʿAbbās (may Allāh be pleased with him) when he would drink Zam Zam was: ‘Oh Allāh, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, abundant sustenance and cure from every sickness.” (Al-Dār Quṭnī)
So whether we drink Zam Zam to cure our ailments, for spiritual benefits or to fulfil a duty during Hajj or Umrah, what matters most is that we remember Allah (SWT) and the significance behind the sunnah rituals and story of Zam Zam.
Where to Get Zam Zam Water?
Oftentimes we get our first experience of drinking Zam Zam Water at Makkah Al-Mukarramah during Hajj or Umrah or when our loved ones bring some home for us. But not all of us have the means to access Zam Zam first-hand or through someone we trust.
Luckily, at Darussalam, we have the freshest batches of Zam Zam Water straight from Makkah available to purchase at our stores. Available in all sizes of containers, we ensure only the purest and most authentic Zam Zam makes it to our shelves through rigorous quality testing and control. Each bottle of Zam Zam is packed and boxed individually and we take care to make sure they’re freshly filled and distributed to you closest to their shipment date.
Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said, “Verily, a sign between us and the hypocrites is that they do not drink Zamzam water.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
So bring home Zam Zam Water today, experience its benefits and fulfil a great duty entrusted to us as Muslims.