Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has upheld its centuries-old tradition of preserving and providing the sacred Zamzam water, a cornerstone of the Islamic faith. According to reports from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the commitment to this sacred duty traces back to 1345 AH, when King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud initiated the construction of a public drinking fountain to facilitate access to Zamzam water.
Following his footsteps, subsequent Saudi kings have implemented various measures to ensure the preservation and accessibility of this holy water source. King Saud bin Abdulaziz, recognizing the importance of efficient distribution, installed an extraction pump and a distribution building near the Zamzam well.
During King Faisal bin Abdulaziz's reign, significant advancements were made with the construction of a second basement for the well, aimed at enhancing visitor comfort during religious rituals. Moreover, a dedicated drinking and drainage system was integrated into the Grand Mosque as part of a comprehensive expansion project.
Under the leadership of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the preservation efforts took a modern turn with the establishment of a purification and bottling facility, known as the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Zamzam Water Project. This automated system not only ensured the quality of the holy water but also enhanced its accessibility to pilgrims.
In continuation of this legacy, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud prioritized the rehabilitation of wells through disinfection and debris removal initiatives. Additionally, environmental guard measures were implemented to safeguard the purity of Zamzam water.
The process of Zamzam water distribution involves pumping the water at a rate of 360 cubic meters per hour through two giant pumps to the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque. From there, it is transported to the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Zamzam Water Project for storage, disinfection and distribution.
The meticulous efforts undertaken by successive Saudi kings signify the nation's targeted vision of preserving the sacred Zamzam water, ensuring that pilgrims continue to benefit from its spiritual significance and purity.