The pilgrimage to j begins on Wednesday. About 1.8 million Muslims from around the world are expected to gather in the Saudi Quds in Mecca for the annual gathering that ends on June 8.

The dynasty is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all adult Muslims who are able to travel physically and financially.

Throughout the entire sacred pilgrimage, pilgrims drank alcohol from Zamzam, believed to have flowed through wells of more than 4,000 years to this day.

But where does this water come from and why does it have such profound significance?

Where is Zamzam located?

Zamzam Water comes from a well located in the Grand Mosque of Masjid al-Haram, about 21 meters (69 feet) east of Kaaba.

The Zamzam Well is located below the Mataf area, a white marble tiled space around Kaaba performed by the pilgrims in Tawaf.

In 1962, the Saudi king commissioned the Mataf region to expand to better adapt to the growing number of pilgrims. As part of the project, the opening of the Zamzam well was lowered and enclosed in a basement about 2.7 meters (9 feet) below MATAF.

In 2003, the basement entrance was closed and the drinking fountain was relocated to the side of the MATAF for further expansion.

Today, pilgrims are spread throughout the mosque through distributors and fountains.

Why is Zamzam important to the North J and Umrah?

Zamzam Water is deeply connected to the story of Mecca's origin and the prophet Abrahim, his wife Hagar (Hajar) and their son Ishmael (Ishmael (Ismail).

According to Islamic tradition, the prophet Abraham left Hagar and Ishmael in the desert valley of Mecca under the command of God.

When their food ran out, Hagar searched back and forth between the two hills and the two hills of Marwa for water.

God responded to her faith and miracle: water poured out from the ground near the foot of the baby Ishmael - which became Zamzam.

This spring, their lives were saved and the settlement of Mecca, with a population of about 2.2 million today.

During the dying j and Umrah, the pilgrims walked seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa during the Sa'i ceremony, seven times in the ritual of Sa'i, and enjoyed Zamzam water according to the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, thus re-formulating the search water of Hagar, which praised its purity and quality of recovery.

What does Zamzam mean?

According to Islamic tradition, when Zamzam Spring miraculously poured out near Ishmael's feet, Hagar tried to curb the water, fearing it would run out.

She is said to yell "Zamzam", which is usually understood as "Stop! Stop!" or "Stop! Keep!" when she tries to stop water from collecting water around the spring.

What is the source of the Zamzam aquifer?

Zamzam water comes from a natural underground source below the Grand Mosque of Mecca. The well pumps water from the aquifer, a layer of rock and sand that is infused by rainwater that seeps into the surrounding Wadi Ibrahim valley and nearby hills.

The Zamzam well is about 31 meters (101 feet) and was originally dug by hand. The water enters the well from the loose sand and gravel at the top, and also from cracks in the rock below.

Today, electric pumps lift water up instead of old rope and barrel methods. The well itself is not open to the public now, but water can be obtained through fountains and distributors around the Grand Mosque.

Zamzam Well is considered to be uninterrupted for more than 4,000 years. The continuous flow of water and its central role in the North and Umrah have been fully stated over the centuries.

According to the General Administration of Nursing and Administration of the Grand Mosque and Prophet Mosque, the extraction and consumption of Zamzam varies with the season:

• On regular days:
  Water supply: At least 950,400 liters (251,000 US gallons) per day
  Consumption: About 700,000 liters per day (185,000 liters in the US gallon)
• During peak seasons (Ju and Ramadan):
  Water supply: Up to 1.6 million liters per day (423,000 US gallons)
  Consumption: As a result of the surge in pilgrims, it can reach 2 million liters per day (528,000 US gallons)

According to the Saudi Visa Office, Mecca expects to welcome 15 million Umrah pilgrims in 2025.

To manage this need, Zamzam wells are monitored in real time using digital sensors that track water level, pH (a measure of hydrogen’s potential; a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the liquid), temperature and conductivity. Other monitoring wells by Wadi Ibrahim help assess how the entire aquifer responds to water and rainfall.

The Zamzam Research and Research Center (ZSRC) estimates how much water can be extracted safely and provides advice on sustainable pumping levels. Each year, the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) issues a pumping plan, with demand peaking during Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah, while Muharram is the lowest.

If the water level is below the set threshold, the pumping is paused to restore the well to ensure a stable long-term supply.

How is Zamzam different from tap water?

Zamzam water is clear and odorless, but it has a unique taste due to its rich mineral content. It is slightly alkaline and has a pH of between 7.9 and 8.0, which is higher than conventional drinking water.

A study by King's University of Saudi Arabia found that there is no biological contamination or algae in Zamzam water, which is common in other wells and may affect taste and safety.

The minerals in Zamzam water offer several health benefits:

• Fluoride: Helps prevent tooth decay and is especially important in hot climates.
• Calcium and magnesium: Exist in higher quantities. Calcium is an ionic form that makes it easier for the body to absorb.
• Sodium and potassium: Supports hydration, neurological function and muscle health.

Overall, the total number of minerals in Zamzam is 835 mg/liter compared to Riyadh tap water at 350 mg/liter.

How to distribute Zamzam?

The Saudi government bans the sale of Zamzam Water for commercial purposes and strictly regulates its distribution to ensure it is provided as a sacred gift for pilgrims rather than being exploited for profit.

Pilgrims returning from the j or Umrah often bring back a 5-liter bottle of Zamzam Water to share with family and friends home. Since Zamzam Water is considered a special gift, airlines are not usually included in the regular baggage allowance, so pilgrims often carry it alone or follow specific guidelines when transporting it home.

Transporting Zamzam water through Saudi airport is very convenient - just follow the guide and make a smooth and easy journey with designated containers.#makkah_and_madinah_eagerly_await_you#ease_and_tranquility pic.twitter.com/de4plglo18

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHU_EN) March 28, 2025

Saudi authorities have established a complex multi-stage system for storing and distributing Zamzam water to ensure it remains clean, safe and easy to use. Electric pump transport Zamzam Water 5 km (3 miles) south to the Abdullah Zamzam water project in Kudai. There, the water is purified and then bottled.

After treatment, the water is stored in two main reservoirs:

• Kudai Reservoir: Holds 10,000 cubic meters (10 million liters)
• The storage room of Abdulzis Sabel, King of Medina: Holds 16,000 cubic meters (16 million liters)