Author: Mufti Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 72)
The Scientific Miracle of Zamzam
From the depths of the history of the Hijaz to the contemporary era, the water of Zamzam has always occupied a central place in the faith and lived experience of Muslims. This water, which gushed forth by divine command in the desert of Makkah for Ismail the Prophet (Peace be upon him), is not only a sign of the mercy of Allah (SWT), but also a manifestation of the connection between the realm of revelation and the realm of nature.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said regarding it: “إنها مباركة، إنها طعام طعم” [1] Translation: “Indeed, it is blessed; it is food that nourishes.”
This Prophetic statement became a charter that, centuries later, prompted scholars to examine scientifically the physical, chemical, and medical properties of Zamzam water. In this section, this sacred water is examined from two complementary perspectives; revelatory and empirical so that it becomes clear that the miracle of Zamzam appears both in meaning and in substance.
Zamzam in the Source of Revelation and the Sunnah
In the authentic Islamic texts, Zamzam water is presented as a divine phenomenon characterized by three essential qualities: blessing, nourishment, and healing.
The well-known hadith: «ماء زمزم لما شرب له.[2] » Translation: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.”
indicates that the effect of Zamzam follows the intention of the one who drinks it; whether for quenching thirst, nourishment, or healing.
Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) used to supplicate when drinking Zamzam, saying: “اللهم إنی أسألك علما نافعا ورزقا واسعا وشفاء من كل داء [3].” Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, and healing from every illness.”
From a psycho-physiological perspective, faith and supplication while drinking activate positive neural responses and inner calm; this represents the point where neuroscience connects with the effect of faith.
From the perspective of revelation, Zamzam is a physical source of life and a channel of blessing; from the perspective of faith, drinking it is an act of worship accompanied by intention and reliance upon Allah.
Chemical and Physical Analysis of Zamzam
From the early twentieth century, extensive research on Zamzam water has been conducted in Saudi Arabia and in international centers. The results of these studies present a scientific picture of a natural miracle that is consistent with the Prophetic description.
Concentration of Dissolved Minerals (TDS)
The level of total dissolved solids in Zamzam ranges between 1500 and 2000 mg/L; that is, four to five times higher than ordinary drinking water. For this reason, Zamzam is classified among “natural mineral waters,” which are beneficial in treating fatigue, electrolyte deficiency, and metabolic disorders.
Ionic Composition and Dominant Elements
Element — Concentration (mg/L) — Physiological effect
Sodium (Na⁺) — 250–400 — Regulation of blood pressure and blood volume
Calcium (Ca²⁺) — 150–200 — Bone strength and muscle contraction
Magnesium (Mg²⁺) — 30–50 — Neural relaxation and energy metabolism
Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) — 350–366 — Neutralization of stomach acid
Potassium (K⁺) — 30–40 — Fluid balance and heart function
Fluoride (F⁻) — 0.6–0.9 — Prevention of tooth decay
This balanced composition provides a scientific justification for the hadith «طعامُ طُعمٍ» (food that nourishes), because Zamzam contains elements that meet the basic nutritional needs of the body’s cells.
Alkaline and Digestive Property
Due to the high concentration of bicarbonates, Zamzam is slightly alkaline (pH approximately 7.9–8.1). Alkaline waters neutralize stomach acid and reduce the sensation of heaviness. This physiologically explains the Prophetic expression that it “removes thirst.”
Microbiological Purity
The results of contemporary tests (2017–2022) show that Zamzam water is free from any harmful bacteria or microbes; in the samples, E. coli and coliforms were reported as zero.
The appropriate concentration of fluoride and silver–iron compounds in its structure creates a natural antibacterial property.
This finding represents the material interpretation of the Prophetic description «إِنَّهَا مُبَارَكَةٌ» (Indeed, it is blessed), meaning water that is pure, clear, and protected from corruption.
Medical and Physiological Effects
Recent research has examined the effects of Zamzam in several dimensions:
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Digestive system: The high level of bicarbonate helps balance stomach acid and improves digestion.
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Reduction of uric acid and blood lipids: A 2020 study (Mahmoud et al.) showed that Zamzam has a regulatory effect on metabolism.
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Wound healing and antibacterial action: Studies in 2022 confirmed the disinfectant and regenerative properties of Zamzam in living tissues.
The Connection Between Revelation and Experience
The miracle of Zamzam manifests on two levels:
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Informative miracle: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described Zamzam centuries before the emergence of modern sciences as “food and healing”; today’s findings confirm exactly the same.
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Natural miracle: From a hydrogeological perspective, Zamzam is a unique phenomenon; despite the extraction by millions of pilgrims, its water level has remained stable over centuries.
«عن مجاهد قال: زمزم لما شربت له، إن شربته ترید الشفاء شفاك الله، وإن شربته ترید أن یقطع ظمأك قطعه، وإن شربته ترید أن تشبعك أشبعتك هی هزمة جبریل، وسقیا الله إسماعیل. [4] » Translation: “Mujāhid (RA) said: Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk. If you drink it seeking healing, Allah will heal you; if you drink it to quench thirst, it will quench it; and if you drink it to be satisfied, it will satisfy you. It is the spring that gushed forth from the strike of Jibrīl (PBUH), and the water by which Allah gave drink to Ismāʿīl (PBUH).”
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “I myself was cured from several illnesses by Zamzam, and I saw people who lived for days and weeks on it alone without becoming weak.”
The Continuity and Inexhaustibility of Zamzam Water
From the time of Prophet Ibrāhīm (PBUH) until today, Zamzam has neither dried up nor diminished, in a land with an average annual rainfall of less than 100 millimeters.
Geological studies (Saudi Geological Survey, 2018) have shown:
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The depth of the well is about 30.5 meters, consisting of three layers: sand, gravel, and hard rock.
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The well is fed from two directions: from above (rain and dew) and from the sides (granite layers).
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The water flow is about 11 liters per second; even during the Hajj season, after extraction by millions, the water level drops only a few centimeters and quickly returns.
From a scientific perspective, such stability in a natural well is unprecedented. From a faith-based perspective, it is the very fulfillment of the Prophetic promise (PBUH) that its water will never cease.
A Lesson in Faith and Devotional Submission
Zamzam is slightly salty, not sweet; and this very quality is a test of faith. The believer drinks it for blessing, not for taste. Drinking one’s fill of Zamzam is a sign of the sincerity of faith. The prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Sated: “إن آیة ما بیننا وبین المنافقین، إنهم لا یتضلعون من زمزم. [5] Translation: “Indeed, the sign that distinguishes us from the hypocrites is that they do not drink their fill of Zamzam.”
Zamzam in the Balance of Science and Faith
Science explains the composition and structure of Zamzam, and faith explains its meaning and purpose. In this harmony, the miracle finds its significance: the concord between revelation and experience, which simultaneously quenches the intellect and soothes the heart.
In summary, it must be said that the Prophetic hadiths of Muhammad (PBUH) regarding Zamzam point to a multi-dimensional reality that modern science confirms.
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The balanced mineral composition, high bicarbonate content, and microbial defense have made Zamzam unique among the waters of the world.
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The three-thousand-year continuity of the spring, without depletion or contamination, is an unparalleled phenomenon in geology.
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Faith, intention, and supplication complete the spiritual dimension of this miracle.
Thus, the scientific miracle of Zamzam lies not in negating science, but in its transcendence; a sign of harmony between revelation and experience, and an embodiment of the noble verse: “وَجَعَلنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَاءِ كُلَّ شَیءٍ حَیٍّ أَفَلَا یُؤمِنُونَ.” [6] Translation: “And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?”
To be continued…
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References:
- . Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitāb Faḍāʾil al-Ṣuḥābah (RA), Chapter: The Virtues of Julaibib (RA), Hadith No. 2473, Vol. 7, p. 154.
- . Sunan Ibn Mājah, Abwāb al-Manāṣik, Chapter: Entering the Kaʿbah, Hadith No. 3062, p. 656, edited by Hādi.
- . Sunan al-Daraqutnī, Chapter: Almawaweet, Hadith No. 2738, Vol. 3, p. 353.
- . Muṣannaf ʿAbd al-Razzāq, Chapter: Zamzam and its Mention, Hadith No. 9448, Vol. 5, p. 314, 2nd Edition, Taʾsīl.
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. Sunan Ibn Mājah, Abwāb al-Manāṣik, Chapter: Drinking from Zamzam, Hadith No. 3061, p. 656, edited by Hādi.
