Arabia Before Islam
11 of 14 · Early 6th century CE · The Ka'bah, Makkah
The Well Rediscovered
Before his birth · 535 CE
By the time 'Abd al-Muttalib became a leader of Makkah, the well of Zamzam had been lost. According to the historians, the tribe of Jurhum had buried it when they were driven out of the city long before, and over the generations its location was forgotten.
'Abd al-Muttalib reported that he was shown in a series of dreams to dig for "Zamzam", with signs pointing to a spot near the Ka'bah. With his only son at the time, al-Harith, he began digging, ignoring those who mocked him, until the water appeared. The leaders of Quraysh then demanded a share in it, and the dispute was only settled, the reports say, after a journey in which 'Abd al-Muttalib's party found water in the desert and his rivals conceded that the well was his.
Feeling how weak a man with one son was among rival clans, 'Abd al-Muttalib is said to have made a solemn vow at this time — a vow that would shape the life of the Prophet's father.
The spring that once saved Hajar and Isma'il was restored by their descendant, and providing water to pilgrims became an honour of his family.
What good thing, lost in your family or community, might be worth digging for again?
- Ibn Hisham, al-Sirah al-NabawiyyahHistorical report
- Ibn Sa'd, al-Tabaqat al-KubraHistorical report
- Safi al-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri, al-Raheeq al-MakhtumHistorical report
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