The Hajj pilgrimage began on Wednesday. Approximately 1.8 million Muslims from around the world are expected to gather in Mecca, the sacred city of Saudi Arabia, for the annual meeting that ends on June 8th.
Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all adult Muslims who can travel physically and financially.
Through the sacred pilgrimage, pilgrims drink drinks from Zamzam. Zamzam is a well believed to have flowed for over 4,000 years and is nourishing to this day.
But where did this water come from and why does it retain such a deep importance?
Where is Zamzam?
The water in Zamzam comes from a well located within the Grand Mosque in Mecca (Masjid al-Haram), about 21 meters (69 feet) east of the Hippo.
The Zamzam Well is located under the Matahu area and is a white marble tiled space surrounding the Kaaba where pilgrims play Tawaf.
In 1962 King Saud commissioned the expansion of the Matahu region to accommodate the increase in pilgrims. As part of this project, the opening of the Zamzam Well was lowered and surrounded by a basement about 2.7 meters (9 feet) deep under the Matav.
In 2003, the underground entrance was closed and the drinking fountain moved to the side of the MATAF, allowing for further expansion.
Today, pilgrims access the waters of Zamzam through dispensers and fountains that span the entire Grand Mosque.
Why is Zamzam important to Hajj and Umrah?
The waters of Zamzam are deeply connected to the origins of Mecca and the stories of the prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), his wife Hagar (Hajah), and his son Ishmael (Ismail).
According to Islamic tradition, the prophet Abraham left Hagar and baby Ishmael in the desert valley of Mecca by command as a test of faith.
When their regulations were gone, Hagar ran around and around seven times between two small hills, Safa and Marwa.
![A dome-shaped building covering the Zamzam well in 1803 [Mahometaanen]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Adriaan-Reland-Verhandeling-van-de-godsdienst-der-Mahometaanen_MG_0723-1748781303.png?w=770&resize=770%2C487&quality=80)
God responded to her faith and fought miraculously. The water began to erupt from the ground near Ishmael’s feet. This is what makes Zamzam better.
This spring saved their lives and led to a reconciliation in Mecca.
![Building covering Zamzam in 1888 [Qatar National Library]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1888_Kaaba_and_Zamzam-1748780777.png?w=770&resize=770%2C435&quality=80)
Between Hajj and Umrah, the pilgrims walk seven times between the Safa and the Malwa hills to search for the waters of Hagar and drink the waters of Zamzam according to the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who praised the qualities of purity and healing.
What does zamzam mean?
According to Islamic tradition, when Zamzam’s spring miraculously erupted near the feet of baby Ishmael, Hagar tried to contain the water in fear that it would run out.
She is said to have yelled “Zamzam.” Or “Hold! Hold!” when she tried to collect it around the spring to stop the water from flowing.
What is the source of the Zamzam Aquifer?
The waters of Zamzam come from natural underground sources under the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The wells draw water from the aquifer, a layer of rock and sand that holds water replenished by rainwater permeating from the surrounding Ibrahim Valley (Wadi Ibrahim) and nearby hills.
Zamzam Well was about 31 meters deep (101 feet) and was originally injured by hand. Water enters the well through loose sand and gravel at the top, and also through cracks in the solid rock below.
Today, electric pumps lift water rather than old rope and bucket methods. The wells themselves are currently closed to the public, but water is available through fountains and dispensers around the Grand Mosque.
Zamzam Well is believed to have flowed uninterruptedly for over 4,000 years. The continuous flow of water in Hajj and Umrah and its central role have been well documented over the centuries.
According to the president for the care and management of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet Mosque, the extraction and consumption of zamzam varies depending on the season.
On a normal day:
Water supply: at least 950,400 liters (251,000 gallons) daily
Consumption: Approximately 700,000 liters (185,000 gallons) daily during peak season (hajj and Ramadan):
Water supply: Up to 1.6 million liters (423,000 gallons) daily
Consumption: Pilgrims can reach 2 million liters (528,000 US gallons) every day
According to the Saudi Visa Office, Mecca expects to welcome 15 million Umrah pilgrims in 2025.
To manage this demand, Zamzam Wells are monitored in real time using digital sensors that track water levels, pH (a measure of hydrogen potential, liquid acidity or alkalinity), temperature and conductivity. Additional monitoring wells across Wadi Ibrahim can help assess how the entire aquifer responds to water use and rainfall.
The Zamzam Study and Research Center (ZSRC) estimates the amount of water that can be safely extracted and advises the Grand Mosque authorities on sustainable pumping levels. Every year, the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) issues pumping schedules, with peak demand in Ramadan and Durhijah, and lowest demand in Muharam.
If the water level falls below the set threshold, pumping is suspended to allow the well to be restored, ensuring a stable, long-term supply.
How is zamzam different from tap water?
The water in zamzam is clear and odorless, but has a distinct taste due to its rich mineral content. It is slightly alkaline, with a pH between 7.9 and 8.0, higher than regular drinking water.
A study by King Saud University found that the water in Zamzam had no biological contamination or algae. This is common in other wells and can affect taste and safety.
Zamzam’s water minerals offer several health benefits:
Fluoride: Helps to prevent tooth decay, especially in hot weather. Calcium and Magnesium: present in more amounts. Calcium is an ionic form, making it easier for the body to absorb. Sodium and Potassium: Supports hydration, nerve function and muscle health.
Overall, the total mineral count in Zamzam is 835 mg/liter compared to 350 mg/liter of Riyadh’s tap water.
How is zamzam distributed?
The Saudi Arabian government prohibits the sale of zamzam water for commercial purposes and strictly regulates its distribution, offering it as a sacred gift to pilgrims and preventing it from being exploited for profit.
Pilgrims returning from Hajj or Umrah often bring back five liter bottles of Zamzam water and return home to share them with family and friends. As Zamzam water is considered a special gift, airlines usually do not include it in their regular baggage allowances, pilgrims often carry it individually or follow certain guidelines when transporting it to their home.
Shipment of Zamzam water through Saudi Arabia Airport is simple and convenient. Follow the guidelines and use designated containers for smooth and hassle-free journeys. #makkah_and_madinah_eagerly_await_you
– March 28, 2025, Hajj and Umula Province (@mohu_en)
Saudi Arabian authorities have established a sophisticated, multi-stage system for storing and distributing Zamzam water, making it clean, safe and easy to access. The electric pump will transport 5km (3 miles) Zamzam water south to the King Abdra Zamzam Water Project in Kudai. So the water is purified and then bottled.
After treatment, water is stored in two main reservoirs.
Kudai Reservoir: Holds 10,000 cubic meters (10 million liters) King Abdul Aziz Sabier Reservoir in Madina: Holds 16,000 cubic meters (16 million liters)
