and the child grew hungry and began to writhe from hunger. Moved by compassion, she saw the nearest mountain, Safa, and went to it. She began listening intently, hoping that she might hear someone, but she heard no one. She then descended toward the other mountain, Marwah. When she came down into the middle of the valley, she could no longer see her son, so she ran vigorously until she ascended and was able to see him again. She climbed Marwah, listening and looking about, but heard nothing. She continued in this manner until she had completed seven circuits.

Then she sensed a sound, though she did not know what it was. It was Gabriel, who had descended by Allah’s command. He struck the ground at the place where Zamzam now stands, either with his wing or his foot, and water immediately sprang forth. She rejoiced greatly and began to enclose the water, fearing that it would flow away and be exhausted. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “May Allah have mercy on Ishmael’s mother. Had she left Zamzam alone, it would have become a flowing spring.” Yet it was from Allah’s mercy that she enclosed it, for had it become a flowing spring, it would have caused hardship for people, since this place became a mosque.

She drank from this water, which became both drink and food for her. Hence the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The water of Zamzam serves the purpose for which it is drunk.” (1) If one drinks it for thirst, one’s thirst is quenched; if for hunger, one is satisfied; and her milk flowed for her child. Allah then brought to her a people from Jurhum who passed by Mecca. They were surprised to see birds frequenting that place, and said, “Birds would not gather in this place unless there were water there.” They had not previously known of any water in that place, so they came