ZamZam Water in Islam: Did the Prophet Take it to Madinah and Does it Heal diseases?
Introduction
Zam Zam water is considered an extremely respected and unique water resource within Islam. In fact, millions of Muslims across the globe drink the water when they perform their Hajj and Umrah and also take this sacred water back home for their family members and friends to drink. This leads to the following questions: Did the Prophet Muhammad bring Zam Zam water to Madinah from Makkah, and can the water heal illnesses?
The Islamic sources provide clear indications on both the virtue of Zam Zam and the practice of carrying it, even though not to an overzealous extent.
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Did the Prophet bring Zam Zam water to Madinah?
Yes. There is clear and ample evidence of the carrying of Zam Zam water from Makkah.
Ibraaheem (may Allaah have mercy on him) narrarates, that ‘Aaishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to carry Zam Zam water herself, and in another narrative states, “Indeed the Messenger of Allaah used to carry Zam Zam water also.” Reported by Imam at-Tirmidhi, who classed it as a hasan ghareeb hadeeth.
Thus, the practice of bringing back a container of Zam Zam water when performing Hajj or Umrah, for example, is not an innovation made by this generation but has strong evidence. Bringing water to another locality other than Makkah is permitted.
This clearly indicates that those who do not live in Makkah are allowed to drink Zam Zam water and take their share of the blessing without the necessity of settling in Makkah.
Why is Zam Zam Water Special?
Zam Zam receives its importance and origin from the events involving Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar and their son Ismail (peace be upon them).
We can find the well-known story in Sahih al-Bukhari, of how Ibrahim left Hajar and baby Ismail in the barren desert of Makkah at a location close to the Ka'abah and how when the water they had ran out and baby Ismail became extremely thirsty Hajar searched for a source of water and the well of Zam Zam miraculously surfaced from the ground.
Thus, Zam Zam water should not be confused with the normal water for it is very sacred water, that is also a reminder of this remarkable event.
Can Zam Zam be a cure to illnesses?
Yes, there is Islamic evidence indicating to seek benefit through drinking Zam Zam water.
It is narrated by the Prophet that the water of Zam Zam is for the purpose it is drunk (Sunan Ibn Majah 3062). This has traditionally been explained by the majority as the encouragement to drink Zam Zam with correct intentions and make du'a while doing so. This may include the following:
A person can supplicate to Allah while drinking Zam Zam water asking Allah for beneficial knowledge, health or any other lawful thing they need or require.
This however, should not be misunderstood as to guarantee that Zam Zam is always a cure, regardless of circumstances; just like any other drink, a person wishing to recover from illness still needs to take medical treatment from a doctor.
Zam Zam water and the Prophet's night journey.
Apart from this, Zam Zam water is mentioned as having a role in the night journey of the Prophet.
The narrations of Sahih al-Bukhari mention that when the night journey approached, the Prophet's chest was opened and washed using Zam Zam water before the miraculous journey commenced.
This incident clearly further emphasizes the importance of Zam Zam water to the Prophet.
Can Zam Zam water be consumed while standing?
Yes, there is evidence which states the Prophet consumed Zam Zam water while standing.
As narrated in Sahih Muslim by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), he offered the Prophet some Zam Zam water which the Messenger of Allah then drank whilst standing up.
Thus, it is acceptable to consume Zam Zam while standing, yet one should not turn something permitted into something compulsory and consider it to be Sunnah merely because there is some indication of it.
What about other practices?
Many additions related to the drinking of Zam Zam water that some practices may be interpreted as Islamic when evidence is not found. Some examples include; there is no Islamic evidence for bathing the deceased with Zam Zam water or that one must drink Zam Zam with their head uncovered as claimed by some.
Muslims should be vigilant as there is a difference between Sunnah, allowed actions and claims without any evidence. By distinguishing between the various types of practice, the sanctity of the drinking of Zam Zam water can remain protected and be free from innovations.
Conclusion
Zam Zam water is a revered asset within Islam and there is solid evidence derived from Islamic sources concerning its status. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) drank the water herself and conveyed the fact that the Messenger of Allah also consumed it.
The Sunnah has shown that it can be consumed when one makes lawful du'a due to the statement it is for the purpose it is drunk, indicating that we should pray for it to have such effects.
However one must be rational as though it is blessed water and may be a cause of Allah's healing, it is not always a definite cure, for in actual fact, it is Allah who is the healer. If an individual needs medicine, they must seek it from a doctor rather than rely on water, however great.
The best approach is to consume the water with gratitude, correct intention, lawful du'a and following the proven Sunnah and Qur'an.
This is only for Islamic knowledge informations not for hurting others.