Modern Technology and the Blessed Water of Zamzam
Modern Technology and the Blessed Water of Zamzam
The best water on earth, a cure for illnesses, and a mystery from ancient history... What is Zamzam water like? The greatest divine miracle... The amazing story of this water began in a barren desert, in a treeless valley. It was here that Hajar tried to stop with her hands the blessed water gushing from the depths of the earth, which later became known as “Zamzam”.
A Gift from the Most Merciful Lord
This water contains healing for both body and soul, it is a gift from the Most Merciful Lord. The Prophet ﷺ made Zamzam even more blessed by touching it with his lips where he performed ablution. The Messenger of God ﷺ said of Zamzam water, “Indeed, it is blessed. It is a nourishing food.” It is a divine gift bestowed upon the believers; this water never dries up! If you are hungry, drink from the Zamzam spring, for those who drink this water often experience neither hunger nor thirst.
Oh, Zamzam! What a wonderful spring! It is an eternal miracle, as if timeless. The Zamzam spring is located just twenty-one metres from the Kaaba. Its mouth is in an area called “mataf”, parallel to the Black Stone and has two sources from which water flows. The first flows away from the Kaaba and the second flows from Mount Abu Qubays.
This life-giving spring always contains pure water, free from dirt, insects, fungi or other impurities. By the grace of Allah ﷻ, the fresh water of Zamzam flows at a minimum rate of 11 litres per second and a maximum rate of 17.5 tenths of a litre per second. It is astonishing that such an abundant spring descends to a depth of only 31 metres.
The blessed water’s journey begins with pumping from the well, using two massive water pumps operating alternately for 24 hours. The water is then distributed to the King Abdullah Abdulaziz sites from the Zamzam spring through special pipes, preserving its unique properties.
Crystal-clear water
As for the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, water is delivered in specially designed tankers, their lids and valves securely closed to prevent contamination. No one can open them except the process manager working at the Prophet’s Mosque. On average, 150,000 litres of water are delivered daily but this figure reaches 400,000 litre during the pilgrimage season.
The delivery and pumping processes, as well as the monitoring of the pipes and tankers, are carried out using fibre-optic technology and supported by a high-tech SCADA system. Blessed water can be enjoyed within the grounds of the two holy mosques in sterile containers. They are evenly distributed at designated points and courtyards.
The containers are prepared in special filling areas inside the mosques in Mecca and Medina and then delivered by electric trucks inside and outside the two mosques. The mosque’s congregants may drink water at cold, hot or medium temperatures. Disposable plastic cups are provided with the containers for hygiene purposes. Over two million such cups are used daily.
The tops of the containers are securely sealed to protect against external influences and contamination. The periodic cleaning and sterilisation of the containers is carried out at designated points. Stationary drinking taps are located inside and around the mosques in Mecca and Medina, covering all areas and floors.
Additional chilled containers of water are available to visitors during the pilgrimage period. New backpack-style containers were recently developed to provide water to worshippers in particularly crowded areas. Additionally, the administration of the Two Holy Mosques has provided small bottles of filtered water to worshippers in the front rows of prayer, as well as at the funeral prayer area.
The Zamzam water distributed at the Masjid al-Haram averages 700,000 litres per day. However, this figure rises to two million litres per day during the pilgrimage season. Random water samples are regularly taken from containers, taps, and tankers to ensure that no impurities, contaminants or bacteria have entered the water. Over 100 samples are taken daily and tested in a special laboratory.
Automated Zamzam Bottling
In 1431 AH, the King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz Water Plant was inaugurated in the Qadai district of Mecca. This monumental event marked the breakthrough of the Zamzam project. This plant significantly eased the plight of those seeking access to the best water on earth.
Unprecedented new measures were taken to protect the water from pollution and external influences. The water is filled automatically according to the highest international standards. The project includes an automated central warehouse where 1.5 million 10-litre bottles are stored and distributed daily. To ensure families and individual pilgrims have easy access to Zamzam water, barcode counters were developed that are automatically affixed to the water bottles.
In conclusion, it is important to highlight the role of the country’s wise leadership, which spares no expense and utilises advanced technology to preserve the blessed Zamzam water in its original crystal-clear state and make it accessible to Muslims around the world. This would not have been possible without the significant assistance of the country’s leadership and the mosque staff in Mecca and Medina.
These people meticulously carry out their work, dedicating themselves and their lives to it. The workers, cleaners and administration of the two holy mosques have set a remarkable example of diligence and sincere service to all those who will subsequently become part of this important mission.
