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Post # 1
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Join Date: 05 Mar 2015
Location:  OmanPosts: 24 |
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Zamzam: The blessed water |
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Zamzam: The blessed water
" It is a blessed drink. It is a good feed and a cure for diseasesâ€, the Saheeh Al Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim (the two most authentic books of Islamic Traditions) write, quoting the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was referring to Zamzam water, the water that Muslims all over the world drink for relief. The well from which this exclusive water gushes is located in the vicinity of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Islam’s holiest sanctuary. Little wonder then you will see people, mostly pilgrims, carrying cans containing Zamzam to their hometowns all over the world. It is not an ordinary water (it tastes different too) Muslims attach spiritual significance to drinking of Zamzam. Ramadan is a month wherein Zamzam water is taken in plenty. Muslims break their fast by drinking Zamzam water along with the dates as was recommended by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). History of Zamzam The origin of Zamzam goes back to the period of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)), more than 4,000 lunar years ago as calculated by Abdul Gafoor Attar and given in his book Al Kaaba wa Al Kiswah. It is reported that Hagar, wife of Ibrahim, was in desperate search of water to feed for thirsty son Ismail in a valley of Makkah. She ran between the rocky hillocks of Safa and Marwa seven times until she saw the angels at a spot digging the earth which sprang forth miraculously a pool of water under Ismail’s tiny feet be known as Zamzam. Walking between the same hills seven times is now one of the rituals of Umrah, a minor form of Haj. Zamzam has been perennially flowing ever since it came into existence. Millions and millions of gallons have been drawn out from the well, the source originating from the bedrock formed during early geological eras. A number of scientific studies conducted say that the water seeps through three faults extending from the Kaaba, the hills Safa and Marwa that converge in the well. The well, located 15 metres east of the Kaaba, measures 4 metres in diameter and runs into a deplastered depth of 14 metres and 80cm. Beneath this level two openings allow the water to drain into the well. Zamzam is soothing and refreshing and a feeling of contentment develops after it is drunk. The author of Fi Rihab Al Bait Al Haram (an Arabic book) quoting Minawi writes,’ Zamzam water satisfies the need and purpose for which it is drunk’. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)) encouraged people to drink large quantities of Zamzam for “it satisfies the need and purpose it is drunk for. If you drink it with the intention to be cured from desire, you will be cured by the will of God. If you drink it to be protected against mischief of whisperer, God will protect you. If you drink it to feel full, God will make you feel full and contented.†Known by variants like Shabbaa, Shifa Sagham, Sughya Ismail, Zamzam water is given to the sick and dying persons considering its spiritual attachment Muslims give to it. There are certain rules to be followed for drinking this wonder water. It is recommended that the water should be gulped in three mouthfuls first and then drunk one’s fill. One should face the Kaaba and after drinking one should thank Allah. Special care has been taken to maintain the Zamzam well, considering its spiritual significance. As against the old and traditional system of drawing water through rope fitted with bucket, water is pumped into a reservoir made of zinc and distributed through a network of water pipes around the well. The opening of the well is now in the cellar below the circumambulation floor (where pilgrims move around the Kaaba) and is accessed through the staircase leading downwards. Canned Zamzam water is available outside the massive Kaaba complex at the bus boarding points. And now Zamzam can be had from the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Zamzam Water factory. This project is aimed to ensure a constant supply of pure Zamzam water, to preserve the spring of Zamzam itself, and to package and distribute Zamzam water in a modern way. The taste and the composition of Zamzam water have virtually remained the same ever since its origin some 4,000 years ago. Its composition has been found potable and has never been treated or chlorinated as in the case of municipal water. Almost all open wells are subjected to biological growth affecting the water but Zamzam has never seen such a growth in its long span of survival. Historically, Ibn Battuta, the great Islamic traveller, on his visit to Makkah, touched upon Zamzam thus: “We saw before our eyes the illustrious Kaaba (may God increase it in veneration), like a bride displayed on the bridal chair of majesty and the proud mantles of beauty... We made the seven-fold circuit of arrival and kissed the Holy Stone. We performed the prayer of two bowings at the Maqam Ibrahim and clung to the curtains of the Kaaba between the door and the Black Stone, where prayer is answered. We drank of the water of the well of Zamzam which, if you drink it seeking restoration from illness, God restoreth thee; if you drink it for satiation from hunger, God satisfieth thee; if you drink it to quench thy thirst, God quencheth it... Praise be to God Who hath honoured us by visitation to this Holy House.†Source:timesofoman http://timesofoman.com/article/62335/Times-Of-Oman/Zamzam-The-blessed-water |
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