Thursday, July 28, 2016

Jannat al-Muallaa in Makkah al-Mukarramah

Jannat al-Muallaa in Makkah al-MukarramahThe cemetery of Makkah where rest the likes of the Mother of the Believers Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and many other personalities of great spiritual and academic ranks.

Jannatul Mualla (Garden of the Mualla) also known as Al-Hajun, is a famous cemetery located in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia to the south-east from the Masjid al-Haram. It is the place where Muhammad's wife, grandfather, and other ancestors are buried.
Famous historical figures buried here include:
  • Abu Talib ibn Abdul-Muttalib, uncle of Muhammad and father of Ali
  • Abd Manaf, great-great-grandfather of Muhammad
  • Abdul Mutallib, grandfather of Muhammad
  • Khadija, first wife of Muhammad and mother of their progeny
  • Abu Turab al-Zahiri, 20th-century Muslim cleric
  • Muhammad Alawi al-Maliki, 20th-century Sunni Muslim cleric
Jannat al-Muallaa in Makkah al-Mukarramah

Jannat al-Muallaa in Makkah al-Mukarramah

Monday, July 25, 2016

6.3m Umrah Pilgrims in Last 9 months

Some 6.3 million Umrah passengers passed through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah during the past nine months, according to a statistical report released by the airport authorities.
6.3m Umrah Pilgrims in Last 9 months
Thursday marked the last day of pilgrims’ departure, noted the report received by Saudi Gazette.

Airport General Manager Abdullah Al-Rimi said that some 7,000 employees of various government departments served Umrah pilgrims this season.6.3m Umrah Pilgrims in Last 9 months

At the Haj terminal there were 14 halls that served pilgrims, 26 plane parkings, 10 portable bridges, 18 gates, 143 immigration counters, 12 counters for Haj committees, 224 counters for united agents offices, and 254 counters for travel and tourism representatives.

The airport also has two fist class and VIP lounges as well as a 123-room hotel. Restaurants and commercial services are spread on an area of 9.4 square meters. The airport also has 20 waiting lounges, 40 prayer halls and 32 toilet areas.

Meanwhile, well-informed sources said the Ministry of Haj and Umrah halted the issuance of Umrah visas indefinitely for the season since the 16th of Ramadan. The sources said that the Umrah season this year saw an increase of 6.99 percent from last year with 6,393,464 visas issued, an increase of 444,252 visas, while the number of pilgrims stood at 5,949,212 Umrah pilgrims.

According to statistics, Egypt came first with 1,303,067 Umrah visas, up 17 percent from the last Umrah season; Pakistan with 991,337 Umrah visas and Indonesia in third place with 699,612 Umrah visas.
6.3m Umrah Pilgrims in Last 9 months

The number of pilgrims coming from Turkey increased this year by 18,875 compared to last year, with total number of visas issued to Turkish pilgrims amounting to 473,672, making the country fourth on the list of countries in terms of the number of Umrah pilgrims.

Jordan came in fifth place with a total estimated visas of 434,479, while India this season added 77,077 Umrah pilgrims over last season, totaling about 409,639 Umrah visas.6.3m Umrah Pilgrims in Last 9 months

Algeria came seventh on the list with 371,949 Umrah visas, but second only to Pakistan in terms of the increase in the numbers of pilgrims, where the increase amounted to 28.51 percent. 

The data showed that Malaysia obtained 26,005 Umrah visas, an increase of 10 percent, and in ninth position came the United Arab Emirates with 187,289 Umrah visas, an increase of 12,919 pilgrims.
Iraq recorded a drop in the number of Umrah pilgrims by about 10.22 percent compared to last season, with 168,406 Umrah visas issued. 

The remaining countries recorded a drop of 26.91 percent in the number of Umrah visas issued.

6.3m Umrah Pilgrims in Last 9 months

Umrah Pilgrims & Visitors Warned Against Overstaying

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) on Tuesday urged all foreigners who arrived on Umrah or visit visas to leave the Kingdom before the expiry of their visas. Those who overstay their visas as well as those who extend any sorts of help to them have to face stringent punitive measures, the directorate warned in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

The penalties against the violators include six months in prison, SR50,000 in fine, and deportation. The Jawazat urged all citizens and expatriates to ensure that those who entered the Kingdom on Umrah and visit visas in line with requests made by them shall be sent back before the expiry of their entry visas. “Those who extend any help to the overstayers in terms of providing shelter, employment, cover up, and transportation shall also face similar penalties,” the statement said.

Umrah Pilgrims & Visitors Warned Against Overstaying


The Jawazat also urged Umrah service providers to report to the concerned authorities about the overstay of any of the pilgrims who came under their package. The violating Umrah companies and establishments shall have to pay SR100,000 in fine. The amount of fines will be multiplied in accordance with the number of violators. It also warned private firms against hiring any of the Umrah visa overstayers. Penalties against the violating firms include fines up to SR100,000, five-year recruitment ban, naming and shaming the firm, one year-jail for the manager of the firm plus deportation if the manager is a foreigner.

The Jawazat has started media awareness campaign to ensure the return of all Umrah pilgrims and visitors before the expiry of their visas. The directorate urged the citizens and expatriates to contact it through e-mail (mailto:992@gdp.gov.sa) to inform about any violations or seek any queries.

Images of Mount Uhud in Madinah

Images of Mount Uhud in Madinah

Images of Mount Uhud in Madinah

Images of Mount Uhud in Madinah

Images of Mount Uhud in Madinah

Images of Mount Uhud in Madinah

Images of Mount Uhud in Madinah


About Mount Uhud in Madinah

The mountains in the area of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah witnessed significant events in Islamic history. Among these mountains is Mount Uhud, which was the scene of the famous Battle of Uhud. Mount Uhud is a mountain north of Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is 1,077 m (3,533 ft) high. It was the site of the second battle between Muslim and Meccan forces.

Mount Uhud, in front of which the second battle in Islam (the Battle of Uhud) took place in 3 AH. Of this mountain the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) declared, “This mountain loves us and we love it.” 

Mount Uhud is located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) north of Madinah. Uhud has an attractive look. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) felt relieved on seeing it, and the people of Madinah also loved it very much.

Mount Uhud extends from east to west with a slight slope towards the north. It is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) in length and from 2 to 3 kilometers (1.2 to 1.9 miles) in breadth. Most of its stones are of red granite, and some parts of it are almost dark green and black. It contains some natural cavities (called maharis) where rain water is collected. The rain water remains throughout the year, for these cavities are not exposed to the rays of the sun. Close to Mount Uhud there are some small mounts, like Thawr and `Aynayn. Mount Thawris located northwest of Uhud, while `Aynayn is situated to its southwest.

Mount Uhud is also called the Archers' Mount because it was the field where the steadfast archers in the Battle of Uhud were killed.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) marched out with the Muslims to confront them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) took up his position below the hill. He (peace and blessings be upon him) arrayed the army in fighting formations, and fifty archers were posted on Mount `Aynayn under the leadership of `Abdullah ibn Jubayr to guard the army from any attack from the rear. They had strict orders not to leave their post, whatever the outcome of the battle.

The two armies engaged in fighting. The Muslims seemed to have won victory over the Makkans, who fell back in disorder after paying a heavy toll. The Muslims started gathering the booty. Thinking that the fight was over, the majority of the Muslim archers left their posts to gather the spoils, disregarding the orders of their leader to stay in their positions.

On seeing the archers leaving their posts, Khalid ibn Al-Walid, who had not yet embraced Islam, seized the opportunity and gathered a group of the Quraysh fighters, killed the rest of the archers, and launched a furious attack from the rear. The Muslims were taken so much by surprise that they did not know what to do. In the general melee their ranks got disorganized. Seventy of the Prophet's Companions, including Hamza ibn `Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle (may Allah be pleased with them), were killed.

After the battle was over, the martyrs were buried in the field of the battle. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would visit their graves and pray for them.

`Abbas ibn Sahl reported from Abu Humayd who said: We went out along with Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) in the expedition of Tabuk. We proceeded until we reached the Valley of Al-Qura and Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "I am going forth, so he among you who wants to move fast with me may do so; and he who likes to go slowly may do so." We proceeded until Madinah was within our sight, and he said, "This is Uhud, the mountain which loves us and which we love."

Qatadah reported from Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Uhud is a mountain which loves us and which we love."

Source : http://www.ummah.com/

Sunday, July 24, 2016

E-Bracelets for all Hajj Pilgrims

THE Kingdom will introduce electronic identification bracelets for all pilgrims to Makkah starting this year, Saudi media said on Thursday, as part of a safety drive a year after the annual Islamic rite suffered its deadliest disaster in a generation.
Scores of people died in a crush when thousands of pilgrims were in Mina for stoning the devil ritual last September.
Containing personal and medical information, the bracelets will help authorities provide care and identify people, the official Saudi Press Agency SPA said.
Water-resistant and connected to GPS, the devices will also instruct worshipers on timings of prayers and a multi-lingual help desk to guide especially non-Arabic speaking pilgrims around the various rituals of the annual Islamic event.
Saudi Arabia oversees the annual pilgrimage to Makkah by more than two million Muslims from around the world.
Bracing up to ensure a peaceful and smooth Haj this year, the Ministry of Health has designed several methods such as e-applications and awareness booklets to benefit pilgrims during Hajj.E-Bracelets for all Hajj Pilgrims

This is besides the regular arrangements like wearing bracelets etc. for their location and safe return.
The information-loaded to bracelets will help authorities keep track of pilgrims' movements.
Saudi Arabia introduces electronic bracelets for Hajj pilgrims as safety measure
The move comes amid security concerns and is aimed at tackling untoward incidents during the pilgrimage.
He added the e-bracelet is water resistant and is to be worn by each pilgrim. “The e-bracelet has a barcode where all of the pilgrim’s information is stored.
The information stored includes address of residence in the Kingdom and full medical records. By scanning the barcodes, the ministry will be able to obtain all the information it needs.”
He added the project has six phases starting with the initial study of the project, followed by planning the project, getting the approval on it, forming committees, manufacturing and implementation, distribution and supervision.
The source said: “The e-bracelet will have services for pilgrims as well as a GPS system.
The e-bracelet will also have a prayer times alert, a compass pointing the pilgrims to where they should face when they pray, hajjand Umrah steps and supplications for both pilgrimages.”
He also said there would be an information desk contact available in a number of languages to help pilgrims maneuver the streets of Makkah.
“The ministry aims to serve pilgrims and visitors of Makkah within in its utmost capacity.
“The e-bracelet will be a technological revolution that will expedite many processes such as collecting statistics of pilgrims.”
He added a private association of Arab pilgrims has already developed a prototype e-bracelet. “The e-bracelet the association used had the GPS system as its main feature.E-Bracelets for all Hajj Pilgrims
“Their plan was to quickly and easily locate the pilgrims in case of emergencies. “The experiment paved the way for our new e-bracelet.” 

Electronic Apps to Raise Awareness to Hajj Pilgrims

Bracing up to ensure a peaceful and smooth Haj this year, the Ministry of Health has designed several methods such as e-applications and awareness booklets to benefit pilgrims during Haj.

This is besides the regular arrangements like wearing bracelets etc. for their location and safe return.

Electronic Apps to Raise Awareness to Hajj Pilgrims


Haj preparatory committees held their 22nd meeting in the ministry’s bureau in Riyadh, under the presidency of Hussein Al-Ghannam, chairman of the Haj preparatory committees and general supervisor of the general directorate of health services for Haj and Umrah.

The meeting was attended by the committee’s chairman and the participation of health affairs officials in Makkah and Madinah, and King Abdullah Medical City, through video communications.

The meeting discussed the health awareness plan for the coming Haj season, and the special preparations of the emergency committee during Haj, in addition to the mechanism to develop emergency work by dividing it into three operational areas: The central area, the holy sites of Arafat, Mina, and the Mozdalifa and Makkah area. The meeting discussed the contribution of the visiting work force in rare specialties in emergency, intensive care and burns.
The meeting also reviewed work flow and the completion of medical and non-medical preparations, in addition to precautions to face contagious diseases during the Haj season, especially in regards to MERS-corona virus.

Healthcare services were offered to more than 405,542 pilgrims during the last Haj season, and more than 1.3 million pilgrims were tested through its 15 health centers at its land, marine and air ports.

Last Haj season witnessed 22 open heart surgeries, 668 cardiac catheterizations, 2,213 dialysis sessions and 31 endoscopic gastrointestinal procedures, reported Aleqtesadiah.

The information-loaded to bracelets will help authorities keep track of pilgrims' movements.

Saudi Arabia introduces electronic bracelets for Hajj pilgrims as safety measure

The move comes amid security concerns and is aimed at tackling untoward incidents during the pilgrimage.

The bracelets will contain personal information such as passport numbers and addresses as well as medical information of individual Hajj pilgrims that will help authorities identify them and provide care, according to Saudi Press Agency.

The e-bracelets are water-resistant and are also connected to GPS, which will not only help authorities keep track of pilgrims' movements, but will also instruct pilgrims about the timings of prayers and other rituals at Mecca. Through the tracking device, the pilgrims will also be connected to a multi-lingual help desk that will guide non-Arabic speaking pilgrims about the various rituals scheduled at the holy Islamic event.

Local media reported that around 1,000 new CCTV cameras have also been installed at Mecca's Grand Mosque as part of security measures. The cameras, linked to control rooms, will be overseen by special forces who will keep a close watch on pilgrims' movements.

The Saudi authorities have so far spent billions of dollars to improve infrastructure and transport facilities over the years in Mecca, where every year, over three million pilgrims participate in the six-day ritual. Followers of Islam regard it is a religious obligation to take part in the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, if health and finances permit.

Source : http://www.arabnews.com/node/958701/saudi-arabia

Electronic Apps to Raise Awareness to Hajj Pilgrims

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Indonesians have to wait for 37 years to perform Haj

There are 3.2 million Indonesians on the Haj wait list, said Joko Asmoro, chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Association for Haj and Umrah Travels.
Being the largest Muslim country with some 220 million Muslims, Indonesia faces a huge demand from its citizens eager to perform Haj.
The process, he said, requires people to register their names for Haj in advance to be included on the government Haj list.
“The average waiting time for Haj is 37 years,” said Asmoro.
“This has increased the demand for Umrah as it is less expensive and requires less waiting,” he added.
Indonesians have to wait for 37 years to perform Haj

According to him, there are 3,500 travel agencies in Indonesia. However, only 668 of them are authorized for Umrah. Around 200 are authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah to organize Haj. There are four airlines to carry Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
He said that there is a VVIP Haj package where pilgrims stay in five star hotels. But this category constitutes only 7% of Indonesian pilgrims. Only 17,000 pilgrims opt for this category as it costs US$8000.
Asmoro was speaking to journalists in an iftar gathering organized Sunday by the Indonesian consulate in Jeddah.
Accompanied by Juman Nazar, vice consul for economic affairs, officials briefed reporters about the cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in various fields.
Asked about the delay Haj pilgrims face at the airport, Nazar said: “We are trying to arrange the schedules in advance and make all documents ready to avoid delay and abide by Saudi regulations. We have 3,000 officials who work in shifts to make the process efficient and smooth.”
Speaking about runaway pilgrims, he said it is not a new issue. “We are having strict procedures and we make sure that everyone is registered.”
Answering a Saudi Gazette question about Saudi tourists visiting Indonesia, he said that they have increased by 50% compared to last year.
“We receive 54,000 Saudi tourists who stay from one week to three weeks. We are expecting more visitors. Saudis do not follow travel agency schedules. They prefer to have their special arrangements,” Nazar said.
According to him, besides tickets, a one-week to 10-day stay in Indonesian may cost $1,000.
Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Virtues of Zam-Zam Water

Virtues of Zam-Zam Water
Sayyiduna Ibn Abbās رضي الله تعالى عنهreports that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلمmentioned: The best water on the surface of this world is zam-zam. In it is food for the hungry and cure for the sick. (Tabarāni)

Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله تعالى عنهreports that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلمsaid: Zam-zam is for what it is drank. (i.e. whatever intention/dua is made when drinking Zam-zam it will be fulfilled). (Ibn Majah)

1.      Zam-zam water is from jannah (paradise).
2.      Zam-zam is the best water on earth.
3.      Zam-zam is a cure for every sickness.

The Miracle of Zamzam Well

According to Arab historians, the Zamzam Well, except for a few periods when it became dry or was buried under sand, has been in use for around 4000 years. The well marks the site of a spring that, miraculously, had issued forth from a barren and desolate wadi (non perennial stream) where the Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him-pbuh), under Allah's command, had left his wife Hajar and their infant son Ismail (pbuh). In her desperate search for water,

Hajar ran seven times back and forth in the scorching heat between the two hills of Safa and Marwa to look for water for Ismail (pbuh), who was dying of thirst, and also to look for passing karawans for help.. Allah, in His mercy, sent the Angel Gabriel, who scraped the ground, causing the spring to appear. On finding the spring, and fearing that it might run out of water, Hajar enclosed it in sand and stones. 

The name Zamzam originates from the phrase Zomë Zomë, meaning ‘stop flowing’, a command repeated by Hajar during her attempt to contain the spring water. The area around the spring, which was later converted to a well, became a resting place for caravans, and eventually grew into the trading city of Makkah, birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) later returned to rebuild Ka’ba, the first Bait-ul-Allah (House of Allah), originally said to have been built by Adam (pbuh). It is the holiest Muslim shrine. The Ka’ba now stands in the center of the Holy Mosque, also called Al-Haram. The Zamzam well is located within the Holy Mosque at about 20 m east of the Ka’ba. 

All able-bodied Muslims with sufficient financial means are obliged to make the pilgrimage to Makkah, known as the Hajj, at least once in lifetime. During the Hajj, pilgrims perform a number of rituals in the Al-Haram and outside Makkah at Muna, Arafat, and Muzdalifa. One of the rituals known as the Umrah, includes Tawaf (seven times circling) of Ka’ba and Sai between the hills of Safa and Marwa, which is to re-enact Hajar’s search for water. 

Hajj is performed on specific dates during Dhu Al-Hijja the last month of the Islamic year while Umrah is optional and can be performed at any time of the year. Millions of Muslims visit Makkah to perform Umrah and Hajj throughout the year; the peak season being the month of Ramadan and Dhu al Hijja. Visitors cherish drinking Zamzam water during their visit and carry it back home.

Virtues of Zam-Zam Water

Today we will be talking about the story of the well known blessed water, Zamzam.

For a period of time, Prophet Ibrahim resided with his wife Sarah in Palestine. At 70 years of age, Sarah was an infertile old lady who was so keen to see her 86 years old husband Prophet Ibrahim become a father. For that reason, she offered him Hajar her maid (female slave) whom he accepted. By the Will of Allah, Hajar became pregnant with Prophet Ibrahim’s son Ismail who also became a prophet and was honoured to be the grandfather of Prophet Muhammad may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them all.

Prophet Ibrahim was delighted to have a child and so was his wife Sarah. After a period of time Prophet Ibrahim went with his baby son Ismail and his mother Hajar to Makkah.

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

Observe, in what I am about to tell you, how reliant upon and submissive to Allah Prophet Ibrahim alayhis-salam was.

Prophet Ibrahim alayhis-salam had left his two dear ones, Hajar and Ismail in a barren area in Makkah. Makkah at the time was completely isolated with no evident buildings or people living there since there was no water for survival. There, Prophet Ibrahim left them with only a bag of dates and a leather bag filled with water.  When Hajar noticed that Prophet Ibrahim was about to make his way back to Palestine alone, she followed him saying: “O Ibrahim, are we to be left alone in this valley with no water, or food or companions?” To that Prophet Ibrahim did not respond. So she kept posing the question repeatedly without getting an answer from Prophet Ibrahim, therefore, she said, “Did Allah order you to do this?”  He replied, “Yes.”  Upon hearing this, eloquently and with a complete reliance on Allah she said: “Then we will not be lost.”

Following the order of Allah, Prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him left and when he was a fair distance away from Hajar and their son, he looked back at the Sacred House (Al-Bayt) and as mentioned in Ayah 37 of Surat Ibrahim, he made the following supplication to Allah:

“O Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley by Your Sacred House so that they would perform the Prayer. O Lord, make the hearts of some people yearn towards them and provide them with fruits for which they would give thanks”.

Virtues of Zam-Zam WaterHajar, the mother of Ismail settled with her son where Ibrahim peace be upon him left them. She breast-fed him and drank from the water that Ibrahim had left for them. This water eventually ran out as the water container dried up. Consequently, Hajar became thirsty, and so did her son who started crying and became unsettled due to his extreme thirst. Hajar hated seeing him in that state and she set forth looking for water. As-Safa being the mountain closest to her, she climbed it and looked down at the valley to see if she could find anyone to assist her. She found no one and so she descended from the mountain until she reached the valley. Then she climbed Al-Marwah Mountain in keeping her search for water but to no avail. She went back to As-Safa then back again to Al-Marwah for many times. On her last arrival to Al-Marwah, she heard a voice which prompted her to call out: “Help, if you can”. There was Angel Jibril peace be upon him, who hit the ground with his wing until fresh and pure water emerged. That became known as Zamzam water. The mother of Ismail gathered the water with her hands and collected it in her container while it was springing out. Jibril said: “Do not fear loss, for there is a sacred House here which will be built by this child and his father”, meaning Ismail and his father Ibrahim peace be upon them both.
Hajar drank from Zamzam water quenching her thirst and breast-fed her son Ismail. She thanked Allah, the One who endows countless bounties upon His slaves. O Allah, we ask you to grant us Al-Hajj and Al-Umrah and the visit of the Prophet peace be upon him, and we ask You Allah to make us amongst those who drink from his honourable hand at the Hawd. Amin.


Zamzam Studies and Research Centre
Unlike other geological surveys worldwide, the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) faces a number of unique responsibilities that arise from its being the major national earth science body of the Kingdom. Foremost of these special responsibilities are the obligations it has towards the well being and prosperity of the two holiest cities of Islam, Makkah al Mukarramah (Makkah the Holy) and Madinah al Munawarrah (Madinah the Illuminated).
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, his Father His Majesty King Abdulaziz and all the kings that followed him have taken keen interest in the affairs of Muslims all over the world. Special attention was given in the matters relating to the two Holy Cities where millions of Muslims make pilgrimage; hence the various extensions of the two Holy mosques through the Saudi period. The Zamzam well, which is located within the precinct of the Holy Mosque in Makkah, is important to Muslims because of its miraculous origin. Muslims cherish water from this well, and hence Their Majesties’ continued special interest in and attention to Zamzam in all its aspects.

Virtues of Zam-Zam WaterThe Zamzam Studies and Research Center (ZSRC) was created by SGS to secure the supply, in terms of quality and quantity, of Zamzam water. As a result the Center has set up a series of investigative projects to define, quantify, and monitor the water source, and provide the information needed to manage and sustain supplies in the face of increasing demand by residents and pilgrims.
Structure and hydrogeology of the Well

Zamzam Well is hand-dug and is about 30.5 m deep, with an internal diameter ranging from 1.08 to 2.66 m. Hydrogeologically, the well lies within Wadi Ibrahim, which runs through the Holy City of Makkah, and taps groundwater from the wadi alluvium and, to a much lesser extent, the underlying fresh bedrock. The well is now housed in a basement room, protected by glass panels that allow a clear view of the well.

Electric pumps are used to draw water from the well, replacing the ropes and buckets of the olden days. No visitor is allowed to enter the Zamzam Well room and surroundings. Outside this room, there was a service area, where cold Zamzam water fountains and dispensing containers were provided for drinking purposes. Recently, the Al-Haram Tawaf area has been extended to cover the entrance to this area and it is no more accessible to pilgrims. Instead, cold Zamzam water fountains and dispensing containers are now placed at the periphery of Tawaf area and within the Grand Mosque, and open piazzas or Al-Sahat surrounding the Al-Haram building Moreover, a bottling plant and public distribution Sabeel have been established at Kudai, south of Al-Haram for the visitors who want to carry Zamzam home. 

The upper 13.5 m of the well is excavated in the sandy alluvium of the Wadi Ibrahim, and the lower 17.0 m in the underlying diorite bedrock. In between lies a 0.5 m thick highly permeable weathered rock. Most of the alluvial section of the well is lined with stone masonry except for the uppermost 1 m, which has a reinforced concrete collar. The weathered rock section is lined with stone and it is this section that provides the main water entry into the well.

Research issues and objectives

Zamzam Studies and Research Center (ZSRC) at SGS is to provide the required scientific solutions for effective monitoring and management of the aquifer feeding the Zamzam well and to ensure the purity and security of supply. The Center is currently focusing on the following aspects of management of the aquifer, the well and the Zamzam supply and distribution system:

-Monitoring and managing demand to prevent depletion,
-Urbanization of the Wadi Ibrahim catchment and its effect on recharge,
-Management of storm drainage in relation to recharge,
-Maintaining groundwater movement and quality through building controls,
-Upgrading of the Zamzam pumping and storage system,
-Optimization of Zamzam supply and distribution,
-Quality control and quality assurance of operating and maintenance of filtering and storage plants at Makkah and Madinah

Monitoring and managing demand to prevent depletion

With the increasing accessibility of affordable air travel, the number of Muslims visiting the Holy City of Makkah has risen dramatically over the past 3 decades, from around 400,000 per year in the mid seventies to over several millions since the Mid Nineties.

Water levels in the Zamzam Well were formerly monitored by a simple drum hydrograph, but this has now been replaced by a more sophisticated real-time multi-parameter monitoring system, which makes digital records of water level, electric conductivity, pH, Eh and Temperature, etc. The Datalogger is accessible by SGS through phone cable and the data can be examined and downloaded without going to the well. A network of other monitoring wells has also been installed throughout Wadi Ibrahim to monitor the response of the entire aquifer system to the recharge and discharge. Some of these wells are fitted with automatic digital water level recorders.

ZSRC member collecting water sample, and manually monitoring water level by electric dip meter for calibration of datalogger. In the background is the pumping system in the glass closet With the increasing number of visitors, demand for Zamzam water was continually increasing. ZSRC's task is to estimate sustainable well yield and recommend measures to control further increase in demand to ensure that sustainable supply limits are not exceeded. Thus ZSRC advises Al-Haram Authority regularly on the maintenance of optimum production and the dynamic water level in the Zamzam well. 

In the beginning of the year SGS provides pumping schedule and the optimum monthly production depending upon demand which is the highest in the months of Ramadan and Dhu Al-Hijja and the lowest in Muharram. A threshold water level in the well is maintained. If the water level goes below this level the pumping is stopped, water level is allowed to recover, and then pumping is resumed. The annual discharge from the well is restricted to around 500,000 m3. However, this limit can be modified if hydrological condition so permit. For example, due to last year 's high rainfall the augmented aquifer recharge allowed proposed production increase by about 92000 m3 for the year 1432 AH.

Water Quality Monitoring

One of the mains tasks of ZSRC is to monitor the hydrochemical and microbial characteristics of Zamzam. ZSRC has been monitoring Zamzam water quality for years. Every week water samples are collected from the Zamzam well and the various outlets including thermoses and water taps in Al-Haram, and Sabeel Kudai and Khazzan outlets. Samples are analyzed for chemical and microbial components. Zamzam water is filtered through a series of sand filters and cartridge filters, and then sterilized by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at these treatment plants before distribution to consumers. Al-Haram Authority is advised to take action if and when some unexpected adverse component is detected.

Aquifer Tests on Zamzam Well

As the number of visitors increases by the year, it is necessary to know the hydrogeological capacity of Zamzam Well so as to manage its yield in the future in a safe manner. Therefore, evaluation of potential of the surrounding aquifer system and the well with its present configuration was considered the need of the time. Although Zamzam Well has been tested many times before, the results were not conclusive. All the previous tests were carried out with paraphernalia available or in use at the time. In all the tests the drawdown was observed in the pumped Zamzam Well only. The pumping well data are not suitable for obtaining aquifer’s storage parameters like storativity and specific yield, which are essential for prediction of groundwater volume availability and long term behavior. Therefore, ZSRC decided to carry out properly designed aquifer tests with observation wells at various distances in different directions, and finally evaluation of aquifer test data with the most updated methodologies and software.

Two most elaborate tests were carried out; one June 2006 and the other in June 2009. The time-drawdown data were analyzed by modern software and resulting hydraulic parameters were used in the groundwater modeling in estimation of long-term safe yield of Zamzam well. These parameters were also used in the groundwater models of other nearby urban development projects to determine foundation influence on the groundwater regime.

Upgrading of Zamzam pumping and storage system

Virtues of Zam-Zam WaterIn order to manage demand water from Zamzam well is pumped, treated, and stored in underground storage tanks on a continual basis. Before distribution to consumers and transportation to Madinah Zamzam water is treated by a series of sand filters, micro filters and ultraviolet disinfection. Zamzam Studies and Research Center is engaged in design of upgrading the treatment system. Already, two phases of upgrading have been completed and the third phase is in active consideration. Moreover, the Center strictly follows these activities and ensures strict quality assurance measures.

Optimization of Zamzam supply and distribution

All visitors carry Zamzam water back home usually in plastic containers of 10 or 20 liters size, which they fill themselves from several filling points, situated around the Al-Haram and at a central filling station. But, more commonly they buy the filled containers from roadside venders on the outskirts of Makkah. This distribution system is wanting in hygiene and offsets the efforts of treatment. Recently, under the instruction of His Majesty King Abdullah, Khadim Al-Haramain Sharifain, the Saudi Government has constructed a treatment and bottling plant for supplying 20-liter bottles to Umrah and Hajj visitors.

Zamzam water During Umrah and Hajj

During Hajj and Umra, pilgrims are recommended to drink Zamzam water to their fill to quench their thirst. They also continue the tradition of bringing it back for family and friends.

For example, despite tight US laws forbidding the import of foreign liquids and fruits, there is an exception made for pilgrims returning from Makkah, who bring water of the Zamzam home for loved ones.

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 a desert, its consistency throught out 1000s of years, the beneficial qualities it has, the fact that it never dries up. This water is special. 

The fact is, this small and only ' 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 the consumption of thirsty pilgrims plus the additional amount that is bottled up and also the amount that is taken as gifts and distributed worldwide to millions. SubhanAllah! 

Zam zam water has scientifically been proven to contain healing qualities due to its higher content of Calcium and Magnesium Salts and also 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 bilogical contaminations. 

History of Zamzam Water 

Zamzam is the name of a famous well in al-Masjid al-Haraam [the Sacred Mosque in Makkah], which is thirty-eight cubits away from the Ka’bah. It is the well from which Allah quenched the thirst of Ismaa’eel the son of Ibraaheem (peace and blessings of Allah be upon them both) when he was an infant. His mother(Haajra(peace and blessings of Allah be upon her) looked for water for him, but could not find any. She climbed to the top of Mount al-Safaa, praying to Allah to help her and give her water for Ismaa’eel, then she climbed to the top of Mount al-Marwah and did the same. Allah sent Jibreel(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) , and he struck the earth, and water appeared. 

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) agreed that it is mustahabb (recommended) for pilgrims on Hajj and ‘Umrah in particular, and for all Muslims in general, to drink Zamzam water, because of the saheeh hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have drunk the water of Zamzam. (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3/492). According to the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said concerning the water of Zamzam, “It is a blessing, and it is food that satisfies.” (Reported by Muslim, 4/1922). Al-Tayaalisi added, in a version that he narrated: “and a cure for the sick. – but this is when he drinks it with faith and sincerity, as proven in the hadeeth of Abu Dharr al-Ghifaari who stayed in Makkah for a month without any nourishment except Zamzam water. 

Al-‘Abbaas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The people used to compete over Zamzam during the time of Jaahiliyyah(ignorance). People who had children used to bring them and give them to drink, and this was their early-morning victuals. We used to used to think that it was a help for people who had children.” Al-‘Abbaas said: “During the Jaahiliyyah, Zamzam was known as Shabaa’ah (satisfaction).”Al-‘Allaamah al-Abbi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “(The water) is for whatever purpose it is drunk for, and Allaah made it food and drink for Ismaa’eel and his mother Haajar.”Ibn al-Mubaarak entered Zamzam and said, “O Allaah, Ibn al-Mu’ammal told me, from Abu’l-Zubayr from Jaabir that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for,’ so, O Allaah, I am drinking it (to quench) my thirst on the Day of Resurrection.” 

Virtues and characteristics of the water of Zamzam 

The two angels washed the heart of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he was a child, after they had taken it out, then they put it back. Al-Haafiz al-‘Iraaqi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The reason why the Prophet’s chest was washed with Zamzam water was to make him stronger so that he could see the kingdom of heaven and earth, and Paradise and Hell, because one of the special qualities of Zamzam is that it strengthens the heart and calms the soul. The report about the chest of the Prophet (peace be upon him) being washed with the water of Zamzam is proven in the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him), who reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My roof was opened when I was in Makkah, and Jibreel (peace be upon him) came down and opened my chest, then he washed it with Zamzam water. Then he brought a gold basin full of wisdom and faith, poured it into my chest, and closed it up again. Then he took me by the hand and ascended with me into the first heaven.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3/429). 

It is sunnah to drink one’s fill of Zamzam water and to quench one’s thirst.The fuqaha have mentioned the etiquette that is mustahabb (recommended) when drinking Zamzam water, such as facing the Ka’bah, saying Bismillah, pausing to take a breath three times, drinking one’s fill, praising Allaah after one finishes As regards the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said, “I gave the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) Zamzam water to drink whilst he was standing,” (reported by al-Bukhaari, 3/492), it is taken to mean that it is permissible to drink zamzam whilst standing; showing the utmost respect. The scholars also recommended that the person who drinks Zamzam water should sprinkle some of it on his head, face and chest, make lots of du’aa’ when drinking it, and to drink it for a purpose that will benefit him in this world or the next, because of the hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, 2/1018; see Al-Maqaasid al-Hasanah by al-Sakhaawi, p. 359). 

It was reported that when Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) drank from the water of Zamzam, he said: “O Allaah, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, plentiful provision and healing from every disease.” 

Al-Daynoori reported that al-Humaydi said: “We were with Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyaynah, and he told us the hadeeth about the water of Zamzam being drunk for whatever purpose it is drunk for. A man got up and left the gathering, then he came back and said, ‘O Abu Muhammad, is the hadeeth which you told us about the water of Zamzam saheeh?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ The man said, ‘Just now I drank a bucket of Zamzam so that you would tell me one hundred hadeeths.’ Sufyaan said, ‘Sit down,’ so he sat down and he told him one hundred hadeeths.” 

Some fuqaha’ recommended that people should take some Zamzam water back with them to their countries, because it is a cure for those who seek healing. ‘Aa’ishah(R.A.) reported that she took Zamzam water home with her in bottles, and said, “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) took some of it away with him, and he used to pour it on the sick and give it to them to drink.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 4/37). 

Al-Haafiz al-Sakhaawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Al-Maqaasid al-Hasanah: “Some people said that the virtue (of Zamzam water) remains only so long as it is in its place (of origin), and that when it is taken away,it changes. This is an idea that has no basis. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wrote to Suhayl ibn ‘Amr: “If my letter reaches you at night, do not wait until morning, and if it reaches you during the day, do not wait until evening, to send me some Zamzam water.” He sent him two containers full, and at that time he was in Madeenah, before the Conquest of Makkah. This hadeeth is hasan because of corroborating evidence. ‘Aa’ishah also used to take Zamzam water away with her, and she reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do this; he used to carry it in small vessels and buckets, and pour it onto the sick and give it to them to drink. Whenever a guest visited Ibn ‘Abbaas he would honour him by giving him Zamzam to drink. ‘Ata’ was asked about taking Zamzam water away, and he said: “The Prophet (peace be upon him), al-Hasan and al-Husayn all took it away with them.”And Allaah knows best. (See: Fath al-Baari,3/493; al-Mughni, 3/445; Nihaayat al-Muhtaaj, Shifa’ al-Gharaam bi Akhbaar al-Balad al-Haraam, by al-‘Iraaqi, 1/258) . Virtues of Zam-Zam Water

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Myself and others tried seeking healing with Zamzam water and saw wondrous things. I sought healing with it from a number of illnesses, and I was healed by the permission of Allaah. I saw someone who nourished himself with it for a number of days, half a month or more, and he did not feel hunger; he performed Tawaaf along with the other people just as they did. And he told me that he consumed nothing but Zamzam water for forty days and he had the strength to have intercourse with his wife, to fast and to perform Tawaaf numerous times. (Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/319, 320). 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah preserve him) said:So you should have the intention of what you want to gain by drinking this water. He should drink his fill, ie. fill his stomach with it until it is filled to the ribs, because this water is good. A hadeeth has been narrated concerning this: the difference between the believers and the hypocrites is drinking one’s fill of Zamzam water.(Narrated by Ibn Maajah) 

It was reported in Saheeh Muslim that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to Abu Dharr, who had stayed near the Ka’bah and its coverings for forty days and nights with no food or drink other than (Zamzam): “How long have you been here?” Abu Dharr said: “I have been here for thirty days and nights.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Who has been feeding you?” He said, “I have had nothing but Zamzam water, and I have gotten so fat that I have folds of fat on my stomach. I do not feel any of the tiredness or weakness of hunger and I have not become thin.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Verily, it is blessed, it is food that nourishes.” (Narrated by Imaam Muslim, 2473). 

Some incidents relating to the Miracles of ZamZam 

Yusria Abdel-Rahman Haraz said that she was affected by a ulcer in her eye. It affected her by a severe headache which could not be cured by tablets. She was about to become blind in the affected eye. She went to a famous doctor who suggested to give her an injection which will stop the headache but it will also dysfunction the affected eye and consequently she will loose the sight in the affected eye. Mrs.Yusria was confident of the mercy of Allah. She thought of performing Umra and supplicated to Allah to cure her. She come to Makkah and performed Tawaf, there were not many people and the areas not crowded, therefore, she could be with the Zamzam water for long time. She washed her eyes. When she came back to the hotel she found that her affected eyes was cured and the ulcer disappeared. This event proves that it is a confirmation of the Hadeeth which says, “Zamzam water fulfils the purpose for which it has been drunk, if you drink it for getting cured Allah cures you, if you drink it for stomach satisfaction Allah will satisfy you and if you drink it for quenching thirst Allah will quench your thirst.” [Refer to El-Dar Gatni and El-Hukm and Zad] 

There are many of such events, which proves the truth of what Prophet Muhammed(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said and the holy nature of Zamzam water. Dr. Farooque Antar tells his own story. He says that he had been affected by a stone in his ureter and the doctor could not remove or destroy it without a surgical operation. But he postponed the operation two times. Meanwhile he performed Umra and supplicated to Allah to cure him without undergoing operation. He drank from Zamzam water and prayed two Rakaats. Then he felt a benching in his ureter and hurried to relieve himself, only to see the stone come out and he was cured without undergoing a surgical operation. The doctors who were treating Dr. Farooque were surprised at this. 

A man from Yemen was fond of reading Quran from a small Mushaf. As he became old he found that he couldn’t read Quran easily from that book because his sight was becoming weak. He heard about the water of Zamzam and its advantage of fulfilling the purpose for which it has been drunk. He came to Haj and he drank from Zamzam. He started reading from that small Mushaf of Quran easily and without any sight problems. He achieved what he wanted because he was confident of that and had deep faith in the saying of the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), “The water of Zamzam fulfils the purpose for which it has deep drunk” He was also confident and had deep belief in the Quranic sign in which Allah says, “When my servants ask thee concerning me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he collect on me, let them also with a will listen to my call, and believe in Me. That may walk in the right way”. [2:186] Source: “You ask about the scientific miracles of Quran an Sunna and Shaikh Zindani answers” By Shaikh Abdel Majeed El Zindani 

Some Ahadeeth about the Zamzam Water:

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness.” (Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3302). 

It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) drank it, did wudoo’ with it and poured it on his head. He used to carry Zamzam water in small vessels and large containers in order to pour it on the sick and give it to them to drink. (al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 883). 

One of the Sahaabah said: we used to call it al-Shabbaa’ah (satisfying) and it helped us to take care our families (ie. it was filling and helped them to do without food, it was also sufficient to nourish children). (al-Silsilat al-Saheehah li’l-Albaani, 2685). 

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah) 

The Messenger of Allah, salallahu alayhe wa sallam has said:" The most sublime of all earthly waters is that of zamzam; therein one finds food for the hungry and medicne for the ill." [ At- Tabarani ] 

"Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it for. When one drinks it to be healed, Allah heals him; when one drinks it to be full, Allah makes him full; and when one drinks it to quench his thrist, Allah quenches it. " [ Ahmad, and Ibn Majah] 

Since Zamzam water serves whatever purpose and intention for which it is drank; provided it is with sincerity: The scholars and the righteous have tried this and they drank from it with the intention of fulfilling their needs and seeking cure for the sick or relief from poverty or catastrophe and surely Allah eased for them achieving their needs. So next time when one gets the opportunity to drink Zamzam, one should grab the opportunity to pray for: a healthy body, sharp mind, forgiveness for sins, life in Jannah after death, an honorable death on the day of Jummah, and all one's physical and spiritual needs of this world and Hereafter.

Related Artilces:

Hajj Pilgrims To Get Zamzam Water in Their Accommodations

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