Zamzam
Definition
Zamzam is the miraculous spring that burst from the earth beneath the feet of the infant Ismail as his mother Hajar ran in desperate search for water between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Ibn Kathir records narrations about its extraordinary nature: the angel Jibril struck the earth, or the infant's feet kicked the ground, and water appeared. Hajar built a small dam of earth to contain it — the spring that would have run freely into the desert. The Zamzam spring has flowed without interruption for thousands of years, providing water to pilgrims in the millions, and its origin in the helplessness of an infant and his mother's trust in God makes it one of the most powerful symbols of divine provision in Islamic consciousness.
As understood in the classical tradition of Ibn Kathir and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Zamzam.
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"It is said that there were 560 years between the death of Ka'b ibn Luwayy and the prophethood of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. The mention of renewing the digging of Zamzam The digging of Zamzam was renewed by Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim after its markings had faded. Muhammad ibn Ishaq narrated that while Abd al-Muttalib was sleeping in the Hijr, he was commanded in a dream to dig Zamzam."
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 2 — From the Israelite Prophets to Pre-Islamic Arabia
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"Abd al-Muttalib returned, and they left him to Zamzam. Ibn Ishaq reported hearing from Ali ibn Abi Talib about Zamzam. He also mentioned that Abd al-Muttalib was commanded to dig Zamzam and was told, Then call for the water, pure and clear. It quenches the thirst of Allah's pilgrims everywhere. Nothing is to be feared from it, as long as it endures."
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 2 — From the Israelite Prophets to Pre-Islamic Arabia
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"Allah has given us drink. They drank and filled their containers, acknowledging, By Allah, you have proven your case against us. We will never dispute with you over Zamzam. Return to your well, and may you be guided. Abd al-Muttalib returned, and they left him to Zamzam. Ibn Ishaq reported hearing from Ali ibn Abi Talib about Zamzam."
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 2 — From the Israelite Prophets to Pre-Islamic Arabia
Appears in
1 book in the library
Hear the term in context.
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