Zamzam Dua: How to Drink Zamzam and What to Recite

After finishing tawaf at Masjid al-Haram and praying the two rak’ahs, the first place many visitors head for is the Zamzam dispensers. In this article we cover the transliteration and meaning of the text known as the Zamzam dua, where this supplication comes from, how to drink Zamzam, what to keep in mind while drinking it, and what you need to know when taking Zamzam back home. We also answer common questions about Zamzam in the light of authentic information and in careful language.

What Is Zamzam Water?

Zamzam is the water that comes from the well located inside Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, at a point very close to the Kaaba. According to the long narration that al-Bukhari transmits from Ibn Abbas, the Prophet Ibrahim, by the command of Allah, left his wife Hajar and his infant son Ismail in this desolate valley; when the water ran out, Hajar ran between Safa and Marwah in search of water, and in the end, by the permission of Allah, this water sprang forth (al-Bukhari, Anbiya). The act of sa’i also carries the memory of this running.

The sirah sources relate that the site of the well, which had in time been covered with earth, was found again and dug out by Abd al-Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Since that day, Zamzam has continued to be a shared blessing for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who come to Makkah. Today the water drawn from the well is purified and cooled in modern facilities and distributed to the mosque and the city.

We have described the history of the Zamzam Well, its present location and the arrangements around it in detail in our article on the Zamzam Well. The mouth of the well is not open to visitors today; Zamzam is made available to everyone through dispensers placed all around the mosque.

Why is Zamzam water blessed?

In an authentic hadith narrated by Abu Dharr, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said of Zamzam: “It is blessed; it is a food that satisfies.” (Muslim). The same narration also relates that Abu Dharr sustained himself in Makkah for days by drinking nothing but Zamzam. Zamzam being regarded as blessed rests on this authentic report and on its special place in Masjid al-Haram.

The Zamzam Dua: Transliteration and Meaning

The supplication below is the one that appears most often in supplication books and in manuals of Islamic practice (ilmihal) for recitation while drinking Zamzam. In some sources this supplication is attributed to the Companion Ibn Abbas; it is not known as the text of a hadith from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Because its meaning is beautiful, it may be recited; however, reciting it is not obligatory.

Transliteration: Allâhümme innî es’elüke ilmen nâfian ve rizkan vâsian ve şifâen min külli dâ’.

Meaning: O Allah! I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision and healing from every illness.

The three requests in the supplication sum up a person’s basic needs in this world and the Hereafter: knowledge that shows the right path and turns into action, lawful and blessed provision, and health of body and soul. You can expand these requests in your own words according to your own needs. For example, asking for knowledge for a child preparing for an exam, for lawful provision for a relative looking for work, or for healing for a sick friend is a beautiful way of bringing the supplication into everyday life.

Can you say the Zamzam dua in your own language?

Yes, it is entirely appropriate to make supplication in your own language while drinking Zamzam. It is not a condition to recite a particular Arabic text; what matters is to begin with the basmalah, to drink with an awareness of gratitude and to turn to Allah with wishes that come from the heart. Saying the meaning of the supplication above in your own language also means expressing the same requests.

About the hadith “for whatever intention it is drunk”

A hadith narrated by Ibn Majah states that Zamzam serves whatever intention it is drunk for. Hadith scholars have assessed the authenticity of this hadith differently; some consider it acceptable, while others regard its chain of transmission as weak. For this reason, it is commendable to drink Zamzam with a good intention and while making supplication; however, this should not be understood as a certain cure for an illness or as a promise that every wish will certainly be fulfilled. Consulting a doctor for health problems should not be neglected.

How to Drink Zamzam: Step by Step

Apart from the general etiquette of drinking, there is no obligatory way of drinking Zamzam. The Sunnah practices the Prophet (peace be upon him) followed when drinking water also apply to Zamzam. At Masjid al-Haram, Zamzam is usually offered in two options, cold and at room temperature, from dispensers and barrel-shaped coolers. Disposable cups are placed next to the dispensers; throwing used cups into the bins provided helps keep the mosque clean. The steps below offer a way of drinking that is both in keeping with the Sunnah and practical in a crowded setting.

1. Begin with the basmalah: Start drinking by saying “Bismillâh” (In the name of Allah).
2. Use your right hand: Using the right hand for eating and drinking is Sunnah (Muslim).
3. Drink in three breaths: It is reported that when drinking water, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would breathe three times outside the vessel (al-Bukhari, Muslim).
4. Face the qiblah if possible: In manuals of Islamic practice, drinking Zamzam while facing the qiblah is regarded as commendable; however, it is not a condition.
5. Make supplication: While drinking or after drinking, present the supplication above or your own wishes to Allah.
6. Finish with praise: After drinking, give thanks by saying “Elhamdülillâh” (All praise is due to Allah).

Why is Zamzam water drunk standing?

Ibn Abbas related that he gave Zamzam to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and that the Prophet drank it standing (al-Bukhari, Muslim). Scholars have regarded this narration as evidence that it is permissible to drink Zamzam standing. However, drinking Zamzam sitting down is also appropriate; drinking it standing is not a requirement. At the crowded dispensers, you can drink it in whichever way best suits your situation.

What should you keep in mind when drinking Zamzam?

It is important to spend only a short time at the dispensers, to throw disposable cups into the places set aside for them and not to spill water on the floor; a wet floor can cause people to slip. Since very cold water can cause throat discomfort in some people, choosing Zamzam at room temperature is a good option. If your fluid intake is restricted because of your state of health, follow your doctor’s advice.

Other Supplications You Can Make While Drinking Zamzam

There is no need to stick to a single text when drinking Zamzam. The comprehensive supplications authentically transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him), which can be recited at any time, are also very fitting for this moment. One of them is the following supplication, which Abdullah ibn Mas’ud transmitted from the Prophet (Muslim):

Transliteration: Allâhümme innî es’elüke’l-hüdâ ve’t-tükâ ve’l-afâfe ve’l-ginâ.

Meaning: O Allah! I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity and richness of the heart.

This supplication complements, on the spiritual side, the requests for knowledge, provision and healing in the Zamzam dua: being on the right path, carrying a sense of responsibility towards Allah, keeping away from what is forbidden and not being dependent on anyone. It is also possible to recite the two supplications together.

A few examples of wishes you can express while drinking Zamzam:

• Health, well-being and peace for yourself and your family,
• Beneficial knowledge and success for your children and for students,
• Healing for your relatives who are ill,
• Lawful provision and relief for those in debt and in difficulty,
• The acceptance of your Umrah and your supplications.

Jurisprudential Notes on Zamzam

The fact that Zamzam is a blessed water calls for particular care in how it is used. According to the Hanafi school, it is permissible to perform wudu and ghusl (the full ritual bath) with Zamzam; however, using it to clean away impurity (najasah) is not considered appropriate. Not wasting Zamzam, not pouring it away needlessly and showing it respect are also part of this care.

It is narrated in at-Tirmidhi that Aisha used to carry Zamzam water with her when she travelled, and that she said the Prophet (peace be upon him) also did so. This narration shows that taking Zamzam to other cities has been a known practice since early times.

Is Zamzam water holy?

In Islam, Zamzam is accepted as a blessed water and is treated with respect; however, it is not right to attribute a sense of worship to Zamzam or to regard it as a talisman. Drinking Zamzam is also not one of the obligatory (fard) or necessary (wajib) acts of Hajj and Umrah. Its blessing comes from Allah, and while drinking Zamzam the servant turns to Allah alone.

What is “seeding” Zamzam (zemzem mayalama), and is it permissible?

In the practice popularly known as “seeding” Zamzam, a small amount of Zamzam is added to ordinary water in an attempt to increase it. Although there is no objection to mixing Zamzam with other water and drinking it, whether the water obtained in this way carries the ruling of Zamzam in its entirety is a separate question; on this matter we recommend that you refer to the current statements of Diyanet (Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs). From a health point of view, attention must also be paid to the hygiene of water that has been left uncovered for a long time.

Bringing Zamzam Back Home

On the return from Umrah and Hajj, Zamzam is one of the most precious gifts taken back to loved ones. However, the rules on carrying Zamzam by air can vary according to the airline and to airport practices in Saudi Arabia. Before you travel, confirm with your airline and your travel agency the current conditions on the packaging in which Zamzam can be carried, the quantity allowed and the part of your baggage it can go in.

• Choose official packaging: In practice, sealed packages bought from authorised sales points are generally accepted.
• Avoid filling your own bottle: Leaks and problems at security checks may occur.
• Calculate your baggage allowance: Zamzam packages are heavy; plan the total weight together with your other gifts in advance.
• Get up-to-date information from your guide: Follow the briefings given to your group before the return journey carefully.

For souvenirs that can be taken home along with Zamzam, take a look at our Umrah essentials page, and for preparing for the journey, our Umrah packing list.

How should Zamzam brought back home be stored?

It is best to store Zamzam in its sealed packaging in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once the package has been opened, keeping the water in clean, covered containers and serving it by pouring it into a cup or small vessel rather than drinking straight from the bottle is important for hygiene. If there is information on storage conditions on the packaging, follow it; do not drink water whose colour, smell or taste has changed.

Can you give Zamzam to someone who is ill?

Offering Zamzam to a relative who is ill and praying for their healing is a good thing to do. However, Zamzam does not replace the treatment recommended by a doctor; Islam encourages seeking treatment when ill. Before giving anything to drink to patients who in particular are on fluid restrictions, have difficulty swallowing or are in intensive care, be sure to consult the medical team.

What do you say when offering Zamzam?

When offering Zamzam brought back home, it is common to express kind wishes such as “May Allah grant healing” or “May it be good and blessed”. The person being offered it can drink it beginning with the basmalah and make supplication in their own words. For other kind words said to those returning from Umrah, take a look at our article What to Say to Someone Going for Umrah.

Zamzam at a Glance: Summary Table

Important: The transliterations are given in Latin letters and do not fully capture some of the sounds in Arabic; for correct pronunciation, it is recommended that the supplications be learned from a qualified teacher. As the rules on carrying Zamzam may change, confirm the current conditions with official sources and your travel agency before you travel.

Zamzam and Supplication after Tawaf

Drinking Zamzam is often a peaceful pause that follows tawaf and the prayer of tawaf. You can find the steps of tawaf in our article How to Perform Tawaf, and the remembrances recited during tawaf and sa’i in our article Supplications to Recite During Umrah.

Zamzam is offered to visitors not only in Makkah but also at the dispensers in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Carrying a small, clean water bottle with you for use at the hotel or on the move helps you drink enough fluids throughout the day. Especially in the hot months, not neglecting to drink water during long hours of worship both protects your health and allows you to take part in your worship with more energy. Make sure that your elderly relatives and children also drink water regularly; the feeling of thirst can appear late in older people.

Every moment you drink Zamzam is also an opportunity to remember Hajar’s trust in Allah and the mercy Allah bestowed upon that desolate valley. This reflection turns Zamzam from ordinary water into a means of gratitude.

At RotaNur, we are by your side with accommodation close to Masjid al-Haram and experienced guidance so that you can carry out your worship in comfort. You can explore the programme that suits you among our Umrah tours, and for any questions you can reach us through our contact page. May our Lord make every sip you drink a means of healing and blessing.

Frequently Asked Questions