Islam

Islam

Thursday, 22 July 2021

The Woman Who Founded Hajj Rites

 

The days of Hajj are a remembrance of great events – The Hajj rites have their roots deep in the history of God’s noble Prophets from the time of Abraham to the time of Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

Our Hajj, as a consequence, affirms in our hearts the strong connection that exists between all of the Prophets while reminding us of the great sacrifices they all had made for the guidance of the world’s people.

We see this clearly in the story of Abraham and Hajar, which we find narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari.


In the distance, the land met the sky without any movement breaking the terrain anywhere. This alien landscape grew even stranger in Hajar’s eyes as she recalled that her husband Abraham was intending to leave her here, without a doubt, and return to his people.

Abraham (peace be upon him) set off with his wife Hajar and newborn son on a long journey. They arrived at Makkah. Hajar looked around her. She could see nothing but a barren wasteland in all directions. There was no life. The silence was unbearable.

Hajar’s mind was beset with all kinds of thoughts: What was she getting herself into?

How can she survive among these sharp crags?

How will she bear the impenetrable darkness of the night?

This was certain death. What husband would leave his wife and child to die in the desert?

The Power of Trusting in God

When she turned to her husband, her conduct was impeccable. Her manners were perfect and her countenance was calm. Nevertheless, whenever it seemed to her like he was about to leave, her heart would make an involuntary jump.

The time came when Abraham resolved to depart. Hajar was not going to disobey her husband, for he was a Prophet of God and this was something about which she had no doubt. He did not take but a few steps before Hajar rushed over to him, the full force of her being left alone in this wilderness bearing upon her.

She asked:

“O Abraham! Where are you going, leaving us in this barren, empty valley?”

Abraham did not turn around to face her, though she asked again and again. Finally, she asked:

“Did Allah command you to do this?”

Abraham said: “Yes, He did.” Then her heart calmed down.

She said: “Then, Allah will certainly not ever neglect us.”

Her words were so certain, so sure, that it added reassurance to even Abraham’s heart in his carrying out what he knew for certain God had commanded him to do.

In this, we see how a woman is able to shoulder great hardships that a man would be unable to bear, as long as she is a firm believer in the task that she is undertaking. When a woman believes in a cause that is noble, she is able to sacrifice her safety, her stability, and even her entire life aspiring for what she recognizes to be a greater and mighty purpose.

This is how our mother Hajar was able to remain in that desolate wasteland until the water that was with her ran out without losing heart and without succumbing to despair. Nor did she sit down and await her fate.

Though Hajar put her trust fully in God, she was not complacent. She was actively in the search for water for herself and her baby, and she did not let herself weary under the relentless heat of the sun. She scanned the valley that she was in.

Nothing stirred. So she headed for the nearby mountains. Perhaps from its summit she would spot some signs of life. She climbed to the top of Mount Safa and looked in every direction.

Nothing

Without despairing for even a moment, she descended into the valley and headed for the small mountain on the other side of the valley, Mount Marwa. Perhaps there was something on the other side. She made her way to the other mountain.

Sometimes she walked at a hurried gait. When fatigue beset her, she would slow down for a while. She kept going, spurred on by the idea that behind Mount Marwa she might spot some sign of life. She ascended the peak.

Again, nothing.

She kept up the search, ultimately going between the two hillocks seven times, hoping she would spot some travelers or some caravan passing by. She continued to pray to God and beseech His help.

After her latest descent into the valley from the top of Mount Safa, she looked to where she had gently placed put her child, Ishmael, on the ground. Water was springing forth from beneath his feet.

This was the help of God. God’s help did not come with a dramatic thunderclap. There was no lightning; there were no storm clouds, no heavy rains, no floodwaters. Instead there was a spring quietly bubbling up from under from the earth – the very thing which could promise a permanent source of life-giving water.

God had answered Abraham’s prayers and had proven Hajar’s words to be true – never did God neglect her.

With the life that Hajar established in Makkah with her son Ishmael, a nation was born that would last until the end of time.

The story of this nation begins with a woman who was willing to bear great burdens to establish it. To honor her, the efforts that she made are repeated in the rites of hajj every year. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“This is why the people walk back and forth between Safa and Marwa.” (Al-Bukhari)

Republished from Islam Today
(From Discovering Islam archive)

-aboutislam.net

Wednesday, 21 July 2021

Hajj 1442: Holy Ka`bah Gets New Kiswa

 


A new Kiswa (the black cloth covering the Holy Ka`bah) has been changed early on Monday, July 19 on the Day of Arafat, as stringent health protocols were followed to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Kiswa has been prepared by over 200 weaving experts at the Dar-ul-Kiswa factory and it costs 20 million Saudi riyals (nearly Rs540 million), Khaleej Times reported.

The ritual started after Fajr (dawn) prayers, early Monday morning, the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

The covering of the Ka`bah signifies the start of the Hajj season.

The ‘Kiswa’ is woven from pure silk and embellished by gold-plated thread illustrating verses from the Qur’an. It is classified as a work of Islamic art produced by top-skilled craftsmen.

As many as 60,000 pilgrims are performing Hajj this year. The number has been reduced because of the coronavirus pandemic. - aboutislam.net

Tuesday, 20 July 2021

Pandemic of Prophet Ibrahim’s Time and Eid Al-Adha

 


This Eid is the second Eid Al-Adha we spend under pandemic conditions. While the lockdown and precautions have relaxed in many places, we can expect the festivities to still look different, compared to pre-Covid-19 years. 

Eid Al-Adha comes at the end of the ten best days of the Islamic calendar year; Dhul-Hijjah Days.

In usual times, millions of pilgrims struggle through the heat and crowds to fulfill their Hajj while the rest of us long to be in their place. Khutbahs (sermons) across the world recount the story of Prophets Abraham (Ibrahim) and Ishmael (Isma`il) (peace be upon them) in detail.


Spiritual Disease is a Pandemic Too

This Eid offers us a unique spiritual perspective. So while we cope, let us not fail to take the opportunity to reflect on Prophet Ibrahim’s story.


While coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to an upheaval of so many lives, the spiritual pandemic of Ibrahim’s time destroyed both the dunya (worldly life) and Akhira (Hereafter) of his people.Prophet Ibrahim also lived during a pandemic. It was not a pandemic of physical disease, but a pandemic of spiritual disease. His people disregarded the symptoms.

We read in the Quran what means:

{And mention in the Book [the story of] Abraham. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. [Mention] when he said to his father, “O my father, why do you worship that which does not hear and does not see and will not benefit you at all?

O my father, indeed there has come to me of knowledge that which has not come to you, so follow me; I will guide you to an even path.

O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed Satan has ever been, to the Most Merciful, disobedient.} (Maryam 19:41-44)

Prophet Ibrahim witnessed the contagious ignorance of his people. Even as a young man, he called out the hypocrisy of his people. He would watch his very own father construct idols with his bare hands, only to sell them for people to worship.

His people were spiritually sick but refused to acknowledge the cure. Their excuse was simply that they found their ancestors doing the same. His attempts to contain this disease were through logical arguments; which the Quran clearly documented. 

Heart Disease

There is a reason why scholars use the word “disease” and “sickness” to describe a heart that is heedless of God. Just as physical disease has the capacity to impair every body system; spiritual disease wreaks havoc on a person’s reality.

Prophet Ibrahim’s people would perform actions like offering their wealth and food to stone statues. Imagine how many families went hungry, how many poor people lost their money and how many opportunities were lost waiting for an “answer” from stones that men carved.

Prophet Ibrahim would continue to question these immoral practices, until his people would decide that a permanent quarantine was the only way to shut him up.

Many of us know the story. After Prophet Ibrahim destroys the idols of his people to prove that they are but an evil tradition passed on from their ancestors, his people decide to kill him. A raging fire is set; Ibrahim is chained and thrown into it. Little did his people know that their fire would be ineffective by the Will of God.

Lonely But Never Alone


{Indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.}
 (An-Nahl 16:120)We read in the Quran:

One of the biggest trials of the pandemic is the chronic loneliness many have had to experience. It is a well-established fact that loneliness contributes to both physical and mental un-wellness. Humans are social creatures. We need human connection. But even Prophet Ibrahim experienced loneliness. 

Similar experiences of isolation would be repeated in Prophet Ibrahim’s life. But these experiences were always a reminder to him: his reliance is only on Allah. And in fact, he never was truly alone, because Allah was his friend:

In the Quran, Allah the Almighty calls Prophet Ibrahim an “ummah.” Some scholars explain this verse to mean an expression of Ibrahim’s faith, worship and piety. Others say it has a more literal meaning: at one point, Ibrahim was the only faithful believer of his people.

{And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.} (An-Nisa 4:125)

Uncertainty In Trying Times


As we feel uncertainty about when the world will revert to a tolerable normal, I imagine the emotions felt by both Ibrahim and Hajar not knowing what Allah had planned for them.As we social distance, I reflect on Ibrahim’s command to social distance from his beloved wife and child, Hajar and Isma`l (peace be upon them).

I reflect on the uncertainty but trust in Allah that Ibrahim and Isma`l felt as they built the Kabah. I wonder what Ibrahim felt when Allah commanded him to call people to worship in the middle of a dry, barren desert even though his family constituted the world’s only believers in Allah.

As we celebrate Eid Al-Adha this year, let us not lose sight of the lessons from our beloved Prophet Ibrahim. We are in uncertain times and we’ve lost many beautiful lives. Many have and continue to be tested with unbelievable difficulty. There is much anxiety and fear to feel. But as believers, we seek strength from Allah and inspiration from the stories of his intimate friend, Ibrahim.



About Hana Alasry
Hana Alasry is a Yemeni American Muslim community organizer and activist working most heavily with MAS Youth. Her work focuses heavily on Muslim youth development, Islamic tarbiya and the Yemen crisis. She is currently in PA school studying medicine at the University of Detroit Mercy.

- aboutislam.net

Monday, 19 July 2021

Zamzam Water: The History and Significance - III

 


The Chemical Analysis of Zamzam Water

Dr. Ahmad Abdul-Qaadir Al-Muhandiss indicates that the results of chemical analyses show that Zamzam Water is pure water, without color or smell, has a distinct taste, and its hydrogen exponent is 7.5, indicating that it is alkaline to some extent.

A study conducted in American laboratories showed that traces of thirty elements were identified in Zamzam water by means of energizing neutrons. Some of these elements scored less than 0.01.

After matching up the chemical analysis to international specifications, especially to the specifications of the World Health Organization (WHO), results proved the portability of Zamzam water as well as its beneficial effect on the body health. Additionally, sodium is very high in Zamzam water and the international specifications do not put a limit to the measurement of its composition.

    Minerals       Percentages

                                                                              Calcium             I98

                                                                           Magnesium          43.7

                                                                              Chloride           335

                                                                               Sulfur             370

                                                                                 Iron              0.I5

                                                                          Manganese          0.I5

                                                                             Copper             0.I2

This is an Analysis of a study conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Water and Waste Water Treatment, the Western Province, Saudi Arabia (I400 H)

Zamzam water has also been treated by ultraviolet rays, and microbes have no place to survive in it, which means that Zamzam water preserves its taste and is not a congenial environment for bacteria.

According to various chemical analyses, dry weather make: Zamzam more saline through evaporation, which is, with Allah's might, good for the human body.

In conclusion, it becomes clear that we should believe in the Prophet's miracles  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and that he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) as described by Allah (what means): {Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only Inspiration that is inspired.} [Quran 53:3-4]

Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "Zamzam water is a lavish meal and a great healer," and "Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it for." Thus, it is a Sunnah to drink Zamzam water, wash with it, and splash it on a sick person.

The Benefits of Drinking Zamzam Water

Ibn 'Abbaas  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them said: "The people of Makkah used to be the fastest when it comes to sprinting, and the most powerful when it comes to wrestling, but as soon as they stopped drinking Zamzam water, they started to suffer from a disease in their legs."

He also said that the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) had said: "Zamzam water is what one intends to drink for. When one drinks it to be healed, Allah heals him; when one drinks it be full, Allah makes him full; and when one drinks it to quench his thirst, Allah quenches it." [Ahmad and Ibn Maajah]

There is no doubt that drinking Zamzam water is very beneficial. Thus, dear brothers and sisters! One should drink Zamzam water because it is the best water on earth. Ibn 'Abbaas  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him said that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) had said: "The best water on earth is Zamzam water."

All the above proves the authenticity of the narration: "Zamzam water is what one intends to drink for." Additionally, many Islamic scholars drank it and experienced its dazzling effects. For instance, Imam Abu Haneefah  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him drank from Zamzam water in order to be a knowledgeable scholar and he became the best among the scholars in his era.

Al-Bakri  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said: "I tried (Zamzam water) and sensed the truth about what had been said about it, and when I drank it, I had no doubt about its amazing effect."

It is also true that Imam Shaafi'i  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him felt its tangible results when he drank Zamzam water in order to be a knowledgeable person and a good arrow shooter, fitting nine out of ten targets at a time.

Al-Ajmi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said that when drinking Zamzam water one should ask for forgiveness from sins, one may say: "O Allah! It came to my knowledge that your Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said, 'Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it for.' O Allah! I am drinking it to forgive me. O Allah! Forgive me." Besides, when someone drinks it to be healed, it is good to say: "O Allah! I am drinking it to be healed. O Allah! Heal me."

The Ruling of Carrying Zamzam Water Outside Makkah

Al-Imam Al-Faarisi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him mentioned that it is permissible to carry Zamzam water outside Makkah according to the four juristic Schools, and that it is even recommended by Imams Maalik and Shaafi'i  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  them.

'Aa'ishah  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  her also mentioned that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and herself used to do that. [At-Tirmithi]. Abu Hasan  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him said: "The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) wrote to Suhayl ibn 'Amr  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him: 'If you receive my message at night, do not wait till the morning, and if you receive it in the morning do not wait till night; just immediately send me some Zamzam water.' Then, Suhail's wife with the help of his grandfather, Ayoob ibn 'Abdullah, and their maids carried Zamzam water at night…" [Abu Moosaa al-Madeeni and Al-Azraqi]

Attaa  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him stated that Ka'bah Al-Ahbaar used to carry it to ancient Syria.

'Aa'ishah  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  her carried Zamzam in bottles for sick people. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) also carried it in leather bags and used to pour it on the sick and give it to them as a drink. [Al-Faakihi] - islamweb.net

READ PART 1 - Zamzam Water: The History and Significance - I

READ PART 2 - Zamzam Water: The History and Significance - Il

Sunday, 18 July 2021

Zamzam Water: The History and Significance - II

 

Venerable Even Before Islam

After the rebirth of Zamzam on the hands of Abdul-Muttalib, the Makkans accorded Zamzam the veneration it deserved. They used to drink from Zamzam whenever they were about to engage in matter of grave importance.

Al-Haarith ibn Khaleefah As-Sa'di narrated that Quraysh always commenced their preparation to fend enemies by drinking from Zamzam. This was so customary that one could easily infer the gravity of matters from the collection of pots near Zamzam.

The Makkans realized that Zamzam was blessed water. They sought its blessing in matters of gravity, and many a times it was the difference.

The Location of the Well

The well is located only few paces from the Ka'bah, behind the Maqaam (the stepping stone which Ibraaheem may  Allah  exalt  his  mention used while building the Ka’bah) to the left. Its location is now clearly marked on the marbles of the Mataaf (the nearly circular open space where the pilgrims circumambulate around the Ka'bah). The well itself was lowered below the ground to facilitate the modernization of water extraction from the well, and to remove all obstacles from the path of Tawaaf.

It is worth mentioning that there are other wells named Zamzam after the original one. Such a well can be found, for example, in Madeenah.

The Names of Zamzam

Like any object of reverence, Zamzam commands both love and respect. In addition to the sublime nature and the loft history of this unique water, its attributes have originated its many names. Some of its names that are related to its sublimity are `Blessing' and `Blessed'. Another beautiful name is 'Bushra' which signifies glad tidings for the believers.

Its lofty history contributed to its many names, such as 'Sanctified'. Another set of names derive from the fact that the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel) unearthed the water, such as 'Hamzat Jibreel' and 'Wat'at Jibreel', with both names referring to the act of knocking the ground open by the Archangel.

Zamzam's attributes, however, account for most of its names. Some of these attributes were learned from teachings of the Prophet sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ); others were coined as descriptive names for physical and spiritual attributes of the water. These names include, for example, 'a cure for illness', and 'a food for hunger'. It is also called 'Sufficient', 'Beneficent', and 'Pure and Sweet'.

The Heavenly Connection

Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them related that when a man drowned in Zamzam much of the water was removed out of the well in order to retrieve the body. After removing the body, Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them told the man who was at the bottom of the well to collect water from the wellspring which flows from the direction of the Ka'bah. The source of this wellspring, said Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them is from Paradise. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him corroborates the same reference to the heavenly connection. This gives Zamzam yet a further distinction whereby this earthly stream is mixed with water from Paradise. This is a most generous gift of Allah.

A Clear Sign

Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (The Sacred Mosque in Makkah) is the first House of worship appointed for mankind. Along with this appointment, Allah blessed this Sacred Place with many signs of distinction. Allah Says (what means): {Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-'Aalameen (the mankind and jinn). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqaam (place) of Ibraaheem (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security...} [Quran 3:96-97]

Zamzam is one of those signs. Chronologically it is the first, for when Ibraaheem, the Patriarch may  Allah  exalt  his  mention left his wife and infant son at the barren valley, following Allah's Command, he made a humble request (what means): {O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) in order, O our Lord, that they may perform Salah (prayer). So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.} [Quran 14:37] Zamzam was the first among many fruits.

A Perpetual Water

One of the greatest attributes of Zamzam is that it will never dry up. This is a gift from Allah to Makkah and to its pilgrims. Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "... May Allah bestow His Mercy upon her (Hagar, the mother of Ismaa’eel), had she let go (of the water of Zamzam) it would have become a spring (rather than a well) whose water shall never dry." [Ahmad]

Every year, millions upon millions of pilgrims drink Zamzam water, which has been around for thousands of years. It is fed daily to the Prophet's Mosque in Madeenah in large quantities, and is packaged and shipped to millions of Muslims worldwide, without the slightest blemish in its flow. It is the epitome of munificence; the more we drink, the more it gives.

A Friend of the Believer

Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "One difference between us (believers) and the hypocrites is that they could not drink much from Zamzam." [Ibn Maajah]

A Muslim loves Zamzam and drinks it abundantly until he is full, whereas a hypocrite could not. This inability is caused by innate dislike to whatever the believers do in accordance with Allah's wishes, which, in turn, causes the wretched one to forsake this Divine gift for a mere mortal one.

Zamzam Water: The History and Significance - I

Venerable Even Before Islam

After the rebirth of Zamzam on the hands of Abdul-Muttalib, the Makkans accorded Zamzam the veneration it deserved. They used to drink from Zamzam whenever they were about to engage in matter of grave importance.

Al-Haarith ibn Khaleefah As-Sa'di narrated that Quraysh always commenced their preparation to fend enemies by drinking from Zamzam. This was so customary that one could easily infer the gravity of matters from the collection of pots near Zamzam.

The Makkans realized that Zamzam was blessed water. They sought its blessing in matters of gravity, and many a times it was the difference.

The Location of the Well

The well is located only few paces from the Ka'bah, behind the Maqaam (the stepping stone which Ibraaheem may  Allah  exalt  his  mention used while building the Ka’bah) to the left. Its location is now clearly marked on the marbles of the Mataaf (the nearly circular open space where the pilgrims circumambulate around the Ka'bah). The well itself was lowered below the ground to facilitate the modernization of water extraction from the well, and to remove all obstacles from the path of Tawaaf.

It is worth mentioning that there are other wells named Zamzam after the original one. Such a well can be found, for example, in Madeenah.

The Names of Zamzam

Like any object of reverence, Zamzam commands both love and respect. In addition to the sublime nature and the loft history of this unique water, its attributes have originated its many names. Some of its names that are related to its sublimity are `Blessing' and `Blessed'. Another beautiful name is 'Bushra' which signifies glad tidings for the believers.

Its lofty history contributed to its many names, such as 'Sanctified'. Another set of names derive from the fact that the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel) unearthed the water, such as 'Hamzat Jibreel' and 'Wat'at Jibreel', with both names referring to the act of knocking the ground open by the Archangel.

Zamzam's attributes, however, account for most of its names. Some of these attributes were learned from teachings of the Prophet sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ); others were coined as descriptive names for physical and spiritual attributes of the water. These names include, for example, 'a cure for illness', and 'a food for hunger'. It is also called 'Sufficient', 'Beneficent', and 'Pure and Sweet'.

The Heavenly Connection

Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them related that when a man drowned in Zamzam much of the water was removed out of the well in order to retrieve the body. After removing the body, Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them told the man who was at the bottom of the well to collect water from the wellspring which flows from the direction of the Ka'bah. The source of this wellspring, said Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them is from Paradise. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him corroborates the same reference to the heavenly connection. This gives Zamzam yet a further distinction whereby this earthly stream is mixed with water from Paradise. This is a most generous gift of Allah.

A Clear Sign

Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (The Sacred Mosque in Makkah) is the first House of worship appointed for mankind. Along with this appointment, Allah blessed this Sacred Place with many signs of distinction. Allah Says (what means): {Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-'Aalameen (the mankind and jinn). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqaam (place) of Ibraaheem (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security...} [Quran 3:96-97]

Zamzam is one of those signs. Chronologically it is the first, for when Ibraaheem, the Patriarch may  Allah  exalt  his  mention left his wife and infant son at the barren valley, following Allah's Command, he made a humble request (what means): {O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) in order, O our Lord, that they may perform Salah (prayer). So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.} [Quran 14:37] Zamzam was the first among many fruits.

A Perpetual Water

One of the greatest attributes of Zamzam is that it will never dry up. This is a gift from Allah to Makkah and to its pilgrims. Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "... May Allah bestow His Mercy upon her (Hagar, the mother of Ismaa’eel), had she let go (of the water of Zamzam) it would have become a spring (rather than a well) whose water shall never dry." [Ahmad]

Every year, millions upon millions of pilgrims drink Zamzam water, which has been around for thousands of years. It is fed daily to the Prophet's Mosque in Madeenah in large quantities, and is packaged and shipped to millions of Muslims worldwide, without the slightest blemish in its flow. It is the epitome of munificence; the more we drink, the more it gives.

A Friend of the Believer

Ibn 'Abbaas may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "One difference between us (believers) and the hypocrites is that they could not drink much from Zamzam." [Ibn Maajah]

A Muslim loves Zamzam and drinks it abundantly until he is full, whereas a hypocrite could not. This inability is caused by innate dislike to whatever the believers do in accordance with Allah's wishes, which, in turn, causes the wretched one to forsake this Divine gift for a mere mortal one. - islamweb.net

READ PART 1 - Zamzam Water: The History and Significance - I

Zamzam Water: The history & significance - I

 


Introduction

Allah has made all living creatures out of water. People require water for almost everything; for agriculture, construction, transportation, and for cooling and heating. But not all water carries the same value and significance? Muslims refer to the water of Zamzam as something revered and unique. They crave this mysterious liquid and love to drink it whenever they can. And for those who managed to go to the Hajj, they return home carrying it for thousands of miles as a prized possession and to give as special gift to their friends and families.
 
So, what is so special about Zamzam water? In a word: Everything.
 
There is nothing ordinary about it. The miracle of how it came to being in the middle of the desert, its consistency throughout thousands of years, the beneficial qualities it has, the fact that it never dries up. This water is special.
 
The fact is, this small 5 ft. deep well is far away from any other source or body of water. It is self-replenishing. It is constantly replenishing itself in order to produce gallons upon gallons of water for consumption of thirsty pilgrims plus the additional amount that is bottled and also the amount that is taken as gifts distributed worldwide to millions. Zamzam water has scientifically been proven to contain healing qualities due to its higher content of Calcium and Magnesium Salts and also the natural fluorides that encompass a germicidal action.
 
It is also an established scientific fact that pools or water wells tend to grow vegetation such as algae—especially in warm climates. Amazingly this is not the case in the well of Zamzam. It has remained free from biological contaminants.
 
From the time that Hagar wandered aimlessly through the desert in search of sustenance for her son and herself; to the moment that Ismaa'eel, may Allah exalt his mention, kicked his tiny feet on the sand and the well of Zamzam was born out of the great Mercy of Allah, Muslims have been drinking from it. What is more fascinating is that it has never once dried up. To Muslims this blessed water is special in significance and history.
 
A Lofty History
 
Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "When Ibraaheem (Abraham) had differences with his wife, (because of her jealousy of Haajar, Ismaa’eel’s (Ishmael) mother), he took Ismaa’eel and his mother and went away. They had a water-skin with them containing some water, Ismaa’eel's mother used to drink water from the water-skin so that her milk would increase for her child. When Ibraaheem reached Makkah, he made her sit under a tree and afterwards returned home. Ismaa’eel's mother followed him, and when they reached Kada, she called him from behind, `O Ibraaheem! To whom are you leaving us?' He replied, '(I am leaving you) to Allah's (Care).' She said, 'I am satisfied to be with Allah.' She returned to her place and started drinking water from the water-skin, and her milk increased for her child. When the water had all been used up, she said to herself, 'I would better go and look so that I may see somebody.' She ascended the hill of the Safaa and looked, hoping to see somebody, but in vain. When she came down to the valley, she ran till she reached the hill of the Marwah. She ran to and from (between the two hills) many times. Then she said to herself, 'I would better go and see the state of the child,' she went and found it in a state of one on the point of dying. She could not endure to watch her child dying and said (to herself), 'If I go and look, I may find somebody.' She went and ascended the hill of the Safaa and looked for a long while but could not see anybody. Thus she completed seven rounds (of running) between Safaa and Marwah. Again she said (to herself), 'I would better go back and see how the child is doing.' But all of a sudden she heard a voice, and she said to that strange voice, 'Help us if you can offer any help.' It was Gabriel (who had made the voice). Gabriel hit the earth with his heel like this (Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, hit the earth with his heel to illustrate it), and so the water gushed out. Ismaa’eel's mother was astonished and started digging ... She started drinking from the water and her milk increased for her child..." [Al-Bukhari]
 
In another narration of Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "May Allah be merciful to the mother of Ismaa’eel! If she had left the water of Zamzam (fountain) as it was, (without constructing a basin for keeping the water), it would have been a flowing stream. Jurhum (an ancient Arab tribe) came to Hagar and asked her, 'May we settle at your dwelling?' She said, 'Yes, but you have no right to possess the water.' They agreed." [Al-Bukhari]
 
It was thus how the dry and barren valley of Makkah became inhabited.
 
The Archangel Gabriel unearthed the water of Zamzam such that the life of Ismaa’eel, the great grandfather of Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) maybe saved. Hagar, the wife of Ibraaheem the patriarch, restricted its flow and caused it to become a well. It is located next to the holiest of all holy places: the Ka'bah. Its water was the direct cause of Jurhum's settlement in Makkah, and hence the start of the Makkan era in the human history. No other water can claim this honor.
 
The Rebirth of Zamzam
 
With passage of time, the inhabitants of Makkah started to forego the ways of the pious ones. Jurhum, the core of the Makkan population, were driven out of Makkah when they became unjust and tyrannical. They, being fully aware of the importance of Zamzam, hideously plugged it to deny their conquerors its blessings. Zamzam was not reopened and henceforth was forgotten.
 
Many generations passed in Makkah with Zamzam in complete oblivion, until Abdul-Muttalib (the paternal grandfather of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) resurrected the dead well. Abdul-Muttalib himself was oblivious to Zamzam. With the approaching of the last divine message, a sequence of significant preludes was in order; the rebirth of Zamzam was one.
 
It so happened that for three consecutive nights, Abdul-Muttalib had a very clear vision about digging a well. During each vision, the name of the well was different and no location was mentioned. On the fourth night, however, both Zamzam and its location were communicated to Abdul-Muttalib so clearly that he attended to the appointed task on the morning of the very fourth night.
 
To the utter disbelief of the Makkans who ridiculed the seemingly futile attempt at finding water in such an arid place, Abdul-Muttalib found water in an ancient buried well so close to the Ka'bah. And it was only natural that the Makkans claim a share in this, obviously, special well. Abdul-Muttalib gave no concessions and rejected any such claim.
 
The Makkans and Abdul-Muttalib's could not negotiate a middle ground, so both parties agreed to seek arbitration. They set out for a priestess whose judgment was accepted by both parties.
 
On their way, and while crossing the desert, the caravan ran out of water. The companions of Abdul-Muttalib all but gave up any hope of salvation. And when all seemed lost, water sprang out from the ever so small notch that Abdul-Muttalib's camel made with its pad. Upon seeing this, the Makkans knew that He who saved Abdul-Muttalib from this eminent death on this very journey to settle the very question of Zamzam, had made Abdul-Muttalib the sole heir to this special water. The matter was settled and the family of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was ennobled with a mark of clearest distinction.
 
It is of paramount importance to mention that Abdul-Muttalib's possession of Zamzam was not an act of ownership where he would deny its water to others. Being the sole heir to Zamzam meant that Abdul-Muttalib alone was to provide Zamzam water to the pilgrims; no one else (save his family of course) could partake in this most honorable privilege. - islamweb.net