Many first time pilgrims are surprised, and delighted, to find Zamzam water freely available in Madinah, hundreds of kilometres from the well itself. It is brought from Makkah under the authorised Zamzam project and distributed throughout the Prophet’s Mosque. Here is where to find it and how it works.

Where the Zamzam is inside Masjid an-Nabawi

  • Throughout the prayer halls, rows of insulated containers with disposable cups stand along the walkways and between the columns, marked as Zamzam. You are never far from one.
  • In the courtyards (the piazza), dispensers are placed around the open plazas under the giant umbrellas, convenient between prayers without re entering the halls.
  • Chilled and room temperature options usually sit side by side, the Arabic label بارد means cold and غير مبارد means not chilled, and staff refill them continuously through the day.

There is no charge and no queueing system, drink as often as you wish, morning to night.

The etiquette of drinking Zamzam

Drink with the intention of good, for Zamzam is blessed water. Many scholars encourage facing the qiblah, saying Bismillah, drinking in three gentle draughts, and making du’a, since the Prophet ﷺ said Zamzam is what it is drunk for. Take a cup, drink calmly, and avoid crowding, especially at prayer times when the containers are busiest.

Can you fill your own bottle?

A small personal bottle, filled discreetly from the container tap for your own use during the day, is generally tolerated and commonly done. What is not appropriate, and is stopped by staff, is filling large jugs or multi litre containers inside the mosque; the dispensers exist so everyone present can drink. For taking Zamzam home in quantity, buy the official sealed 5 litre packs instead, our guide on bringing Zamzam back to the USA covers exactly where and how.

A quiet tip for families

The dispensers nearest the main gates run busiest. Walk two or three rows deeper into the mosque and you will find quieter containers, easier with children in tow. And if you are planning your Madinah days in detail, pair this with our guide to securing a Rawdah appointment, the two visits fit beautifully into one unhurried morning.

Madinah rewards slow, well planned days, which is why our packages put you steps from the mosque with a guide who knows its rhythms. Ask us about your dates and we will plan them with you.