Zamzam, Province 24231, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

## Overview The Zamzam Well is one of the most historically and spiritually significant water sources on Earth, located within the Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Situated approximately 20 meters (66 feet) east of the Kaaba, this ancient well has been a source of water for millions of pilgrims for thousands of years and holds a central place in Islamic tradition. According to Islamic history, the well's origins trace back to the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. When Hagar (Hajar), the second wife of Ibrahim and mother of their infant son Ismail (Ishmael), was left in the barren, sun-scorched valley of Makkah, she desperately searched for water. Finding none in the arid landscape, she ran seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah in the intense heat, looking for any sign of water or help. As her infant son grew increasingly thirsty, he scraped the ground with his feet — and water miraculously sprang forth. In other versions of the account, God sent the angel Jibril (Gabriel), who struck the ground with his heel, causing the water to emerge. The name "Zamzam" is traditionally derived from the phrase *Zome Zome*, meaning "stop" or "contain yourself." According to legend, Hagar repeatedly called out this command, trying to contain the gushing spring water. The ritual of Sa'i — walking seven times between Safa and Marwah — is performed by millions of Muslims during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to this day, commemorating Hagar's desperate search. Islamic tradition further holds that Ibrahim later rebuilt the Bait-ul-Allah ("House of God") near the well's site — a structure originally built by Adam — which is known today as the Kaaba, the sacred building toward which all Muslims worldwide face during their five daily prayers. The well itself is estimated to be about 30 meters (98 feet) deep and has been studied by modern researchers. A study conducted at King Saud University reported the following mineral concentrations in Zamzam water: | Mineral / Parameter | Concentration | |---|---| | Sodium | 133 mg/L | | Calcium | 96 mg/L | | Magnesium | 38.88 mg/L | | Potassium | 43.3 mg/L | | Bicarbonate | 195.4 mg/L | | Chloride | 163.3 mg/L | | Fluoride | 0.72 mg/L | | Nitrate | 124.8 mg/L | | Sulfate | 124.0 mg/L | | pH | 8 | | Total Dissolved Solids | 835 mg/L | These readings indicate that Zamzam water has a notably high mineral content compared to most natural spring water, with an alkaline pH of 8. The water has been consumed by pilgrims and locals for centuries and is widely regarded as blessed within the Islamic faith. It has historically been used as a drinking water source and is reported to have a distinctive, clean taste that many visitors find refreshing. ## Directions 1. The Zamzam Well is located inside the **Masjid al-Haram** (the Grand Mosque) in the holy city of **Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia**. 2. The well itself is situated in the basement level of the mosque, approximately **20 meters east of the Kaaba**. 3. Direct access to the old well opening is no longer available to the public; the well was sealed and the water is now pumped to dispensing stations and coolers located throughout the mosque complex. 4. Zamzam water coolers and dispensers can be found on multiple floors of the Masjid al-Haram, as well as in the adjacent Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. 5. **Important access note:** Entry to Makkah is restricted to Muslims only. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the city. Visitors typically access the Zamzam Well area as part of their Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage. 6. The GPS coordinates for the well are approximately **21.422°N, 39.826°E**. ## What to Expect Visitors to the Masjid al-Haram will find Zamzam water freely available throughout the mosque complex. The water is pumped from the well and distributed via modern coolers and dispensing stations — you no longer draw water directly from the well opening, which has been sealed to protect the source and manage the enormous demand from millions of annual pilgrims. The surrounding environment is the Grand Mosque itself, one of the largest and most visited religious sites in the world. Expect large crowds, especially during Hajj season (dates vary annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar) and during Ramadan. The climate in Makkah is extremely hot and arid, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F), making the cool Zamzam water especially welcome. Many pilgrims fill bottles with Zamzam water to bring home for family and friends. Bottled Zamzam water is also available for purchase and is distributed by the Saudi government through official channels. The Saudi Geological Survey monitors the well and has confirmed that it continues to produce water despite the massive daily extraction — a fact that many consider remarkable given the arid desert environment. The experience of drinking Zamzam water at its source, within sight of the Kaaba, is considered one of the most spiritually meaningful moments of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Whether you are visiting for religious devotion or scholarly interest, the Zamzam Well represents a living connection to thousands of years of human history and faith.