Discover the miracle of Zamzam
A Timeless Story of Faith and Perseverance

The story of Zamzam is one of the most cherished and profound events in Islamic history—an enduring reminder of faith, patience, and God’s mercy. It begins with Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) عليه السلام, his wife Hajra (رضي الله عنها), and their infant son Ismail (A.S.) (Ishmael).

Left in the Desert by Divine Command

By Allah's command, Prophet Abraham عليه السلام left Hajra (رضي الله عنها) and baby Ishmael عليه السلام in the desert valley with some dates and some water, which would one day become Mecca. The land was empty, no water, no vegetation, no people. There was only desert and the mountains of Safa and Marwa on every side. Hajra (رضي الله عنها) held her infant son close and watched Abraham عليه السلام leave. Although her heart was trembling, her faith remained strong.

“If this is Allah’s command,” she said with courage, “then He will not abandon us.”

A Mother’s Desperate Search

As the sun rose high and the desert heat intensified, baby Ismail عليه السلام grew thirsty. His cries echoed across the silent valley. Hajra (رضي الله عنها), unable to bear the suffering of her child, began searching desperately for water.

Before her stood Safa, a rocky hill. She climbed it, hoping to spot a traveler or a spring. But there was nothing.
She ran down and hurried toward Marwa, another hill opposite Safa, and climbed it with the same hope. Again, nothing but endless sand and sky.

Her heart full of fear yet driven by love, Hajra (رضي الله عنها) ran between Safa and Marwa seven times—each time more exhausted, each time more determined. She was alone, but her trust in Allah gave her strength.

The few dates and water that were at hand were gone. As the sun rose and the desert heat intensified, baby Ishmael عليه السلام became thirsty. Hunger forced Hagar to stop feeding the baby — the baby’s cries echoed in the silent valley. Hajra (رضي الله عنها), unable to bear her child’s suffering, began to search for water with impatience. Safa stood in front of her. She climbed it, hoping to find a traveler or a spring. But there was nothing there. She ran down and quickly came to another hill opposite Safa, Marwa, and climbed it with the same hope. Once again, nothing but endless sand and sky.

Sometimes she ran to Safa and sometimes to Marwa, and sometimes she returned to her child out of fear lest some animal harm him — her heart filled with fear but out of love, Hajra (رضي الله عنها) ran between Safa and Marwa seven times — each time more exhausted, each time faster with greater determination. She was alone, but her trust in God gave her strength.

The Miracle Beneath Ishmael’s (عليه السلام) Feet

When she returned to her child after completing the seventh run, she saw something astonishing.

Clean, clear water was bubbling up from the ground beneath the feet of infant Ishmael عليه السلام.

Hajra (رضي الله عنها) rushed to the spring, her heart filled with relief and gratitude. She gathered the water with her hands, drank some, and gave some to her thirsty child.

“Alhamdulillah,” she whispered, tears of joy welling up in her eyes.
This blessed water is forever known as Zamzam—a well that never runs dry, nourishing millions of pilgrims to this day.

A Legacy of Faith

Hajra (رضي الله عنها) resilience, her seven runs between Safa and Marwa, later became an essential part of the Hajj and Umrah rituals. Every pilgrim retraces her footsteps, honoring her courage and her unwavering trust in Allah.

The story of Zamzam is not only a historical event. It is a timeless lesson that faith, patience, and trust in God can bring miracles where hope seems lost.