Zamzam well: Why does this source of water never run dry?

Every religion has its own beliefs, rituals and traditions. In Islam, Zamzam water is considered as the blessed holy water. This water comes from the Zamzam well, located inside Masjid-al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The well is 30 metres deep, with 13 metres of compacted sediments and 17 metres of igneous rock. The water seeps through the fine cracks in the granite, absorbing minerals, which explains the water’s high mineral content. 

Surprisingly, this well has been around for almost 4,000 years! Quite old, right? But what makes it so special? Well, throughout all these years, the water in this well has not run out and also believed to possess healing properties! Let us learn more about the significance and historical background of Zamzam well. 

The origin story  
There are many theories about the origin of Zamzam well. One popular version suggests that Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (a messenger of God) to take his wife Hagar (also spelled as Hajar) and son Ismail to Makkah, which back then was a deserted region. The Prophet eventually returned home after leaving his wife and son at Makkah with some dates and water. However, the dates and water soon ran out! Hagar started frantically searching for water, while little Ismail began to cry out of thirst. In his anxious state, Ismail started kicking the ground. And to Hagar’s surprise, water started springing out from wherever Ismail kicked. She carefully collected some water and began giving it to Ismail. The water that emerged came to be known as the blessed Zamzam water. According to a different version, it was not Ismail, but Jibreel, an angel sent by Allah, who was responsible for this holy spring of water. But, what’s the story behind the name? It is believed that as the water kept flowing, Hagar apprehended that it would run out. So, she cried out loud saying, “Zom! Zom!” This meant, “Stop! Stop!” This led to the name Zamzam. Interesting, isn’t it? 

The well never goes dry 
According to Geology professor Abbas Sharaqi at the African Research Institute, the water in Zamzam’s well in Mecca does not drain because it is connected to a renewable groundwater source. In Mecca, rain is the main source of water for wells. With this being said, you are probably assuming that Zamzam’s water supply will eventually run out as there is hardly any rain in Saudi Arabia. Well, you may be right. But the professor argues that the well can continue operating normally if the environment is steady and unchanging. This means a drastic change in climate might deplete the water in Zamzam.   

The water from Zamzam well as a souvenir 
For the Hajj (pilgrimage), pilgrims from all over the world travel to Mecca. The holy pilgrimage is only complete with drinking Zamzam water. It is used by pilgrims to both drink and cleanse themselves during the Hajj. And you may take this water with you back home as well! Since the water is thought to have multiple health benefits, pilgrims carry it back to their homes in containers.  

For the Islamic community, the sacred well continues to hold a place of high religious significance because of its healing properties. It can also be purchased from any old souk (Arabian marketplace) in Mecca. 

Zamzam water fact folio 
Here are some more interesting facts about the holy Zamzam water. 
Research has found that Zamzam water has 366 mg/L of bicarbonates, making it the purest water on the planet!  The water has a unique flavour but no colour or fragrance. It is believed to have health benefits because of the high concentration of calcium and magnesium salts. Zamzam water is believed to boost the body’s defence mechanisms.