Historic Wells of Medina

By the Editors of the Madain Project

The historic wells of Medina refer to the water wells that once served as vital sources of water for the historic towns of ancient Yathrib and later Madinah. These wells, which are closely tied to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, played a significant role in the daily lives of Medina’s residents.

Overview

The historic wells of Medina, which have been significant both before and after the advent of Islam, played an essential role in the daily lives of its residents. In pre-Islamic times, Medina's wells were crucial sources of water for agriculture, trade, and the survival of its people. With the arrival of Islam, these wells continued to serve the community, supporting the growing population of Muslims. But after the advent of Islam and during the Prophet Muhammad's time, a number of these wells also became associated with sacredness, adding a spiritual dimension to their significance.

This sacred connection was not just due to their functional role in providing water but also because of the proximity to the Prophet’s mosque and the blessings attributed to the well water. Some of these wells, like the Bayr-haa' and Bir al-Ghars, became places of spiritual reflection and connection, further elevating their status in the eyes of the Muslim community.

Among the most famous wells was the Bayruhaa' (بَيْرُحَاء), located north of the Prophet’s mosque. Though now buried beneath the floor of Masjid Nabawi, its location is marked by circular marble mosaics and can be found just inside the Malik Fahad gate. These wells not only provided essential water but also held spiritual and historical significance, with many becoming places of gathering and reflection for the early Muslims. Today, the remnants of these historic wells continue to be an important part of Medina's rich cultural and religious heritage.

List of the Historic Wells

circa 640 CE

Bir 'Haa
The Bir Haa' was a historic well located in Madinah, closely associated with the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Situated north of the Prophet’s mosque, it holds significant historical and spiritual importance. The well was initially owned by Abu Talha al-Ansari, one of the Prophet's companions, and became renowned for its high quality of water. In Islamic tradition, it is considered a place of blessings, particularly because the Prophet Muhammad is said to have frequented it and drank from its waters. Over time, the well gained a sacred status, symbolizing not just a source of water, but also a space of divine favor. Today, Bir Haa is buried beneath the floor of the Masjid Nabawi, with its location marked by circular marble mosaics near the Malik Fahad gate. Despite its physical disappearance, the legacy of Bir Haa continues to resonate within the spiritual and historical context of Madinah.

circa 640 CE

Bir Urwah ibn Zubayr
The Bir Urwah ibn Zubayr (بئر عروة بن الزبير) was a historical well located in Medina, named after Urwah ibn Zubayr, a notable companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the son of Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, one of the prominent figures of early Islam. Urwah was known for his piety and his role in Islamic history as both a scholar and a warrior. The well of Urwah ibn Zubayr holds significance not only due to its association with such a revered figure but also as a symbol of the deep connection between the early Muslims and the land of Madinah.

The well is located in the area of Madinah that was traditionally known for its various water sources, which supported the city's inhabitants, especially in the harsh desert environment. Though the physical well may not be as prominent today, its association with Urwah ibn Zubayr adds to the historical and spiritual heritage of the city. Some sources mention that the well was part of the properties owned by the early Muslim community, and it became a notable landmark in the region.

According to historical sources, Urwah ibn Zubair, the grandson of the first caliph Abu Bakr, purchased land from Khawwat bin Jubair, which he converted into a farm. He had a well dug near his property, which was primarily used to irrigate the land he cultivated. This well, associated with Urwah, was part of his broader efforts to manage his estate. The remains of a structure attributed to Urwah, including a castle, were discovered near this well during archaeological excavations in 2013. These ruins, located in Al-Aqeeq Valley, provided insights into the architecture and daily life during Urwah’s time, although no direct connection to him could be confirmed through the excavation.

circa 640 CE

Bir Uthman or Bir Rumah
The Well of Uthman, also known historically as the Well of Rumah the Jew.

circa 640 CE

Bir Ghars
The Ghars Well

circa 640 CE

Bir al-'Arees
The Bir al-Khatam, also known as Bir al-Arees (literally the "Well of the Ring"), is a historical well with roots in the pre-Islamic period, situated to the south-west of the present-day Masjid al-Quba. Its significance is largely attributed to an incident during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, when the Prophet Muhammad’s ring fell into the well, giving it its distinctive name.

This well holds additional historical importance due to its association with key moments in the Prophet's life. According to biographical accounts of the Prophet Muhammad, it was here that he once sat with his companions — the first caliph Abu Bakr, the second caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, and Uthman ibn Affan — positioned around the water basin of the well. In this setting, the Prophet conveyed the glad tidings (Bisharah) of Jannah (Paradise) to these three companions, a moment of great spiritual and historical significance. Today, the site is marked by a roundel within a square, commemorating this important event.

See Also

References

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