Saudi Arabia has numerous historical sites with immense religious significance for the followers of Islam. Beer e Shifa though underrated, carries great importance to Muslims. Locals believe that Beer e Shifa has water with healing properties; hence, it is also known as ‘Healing Well’. The well has a miraculous tale attached to its healing properties relating to the times of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Madinah, that gives credibility to the well. It is located approximately 80 kilometers from the Madinah province in a village called ‘Alya’.
Beer-e-Shifa history
The history of the mysterious Beer-e-Shifa goes way back to around 1400 years. This well was initially dredged by the villagers of the area for their water consumption. The well was supposed to provide fresh underground water to the villagers and those passing through the village. Unfortunately, the water was unfit to drink as it was saline and bitter. Those villagers who consumed the water were affected by various types of illnesses. Animals were also badly affected as they consumed the poisonous water from the well until Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) announced the elimination of the toxicity of the well.
Beer-e-shifa miracles
There was a time in history when Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was passing by the village with his people and halted to consume water from this well. The villagers stopped them from drinking the well’s water as it was poisonous. At that instance, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) spat into the well and announced that the well was no more toxic and its water was fit for consumption.
According to a tale, the villagers went to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to tell him about the illnesses caused by the water and how poisonous the water was. On hearing this information, the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately went to help the villagers. He then spat into the well, and miraculously the water turned into sweet water fit for the consumption of everyone. And hence, it became Aab-e-Shifa.
Shifa of Aab-e-Shifa
‘Aab’ is synonymous with water, and ‘Shifa’ means to have healing properties or to be able to heal. Aab-e-Shifa is said to have amazing healing powers. People believe that Aab-e-Shifa can heal illnesses of all kinds. Those who fed the water to their sick animals observed the animals becoming healthier. People who had consumed the well water turned healthy and kept coming back to Beer-e-Shifa. They also reserved the water for future purposes. According to locals, the water is extremely pure and is free from any pollutants, even today. The water is said to be rich in calcium, keeping those who drink it active and zealous. The healing powers of the well can heal any pain and health flaws.
How is the Aab-e-Shifa stored
The Aab-e-Shifa has been curing the ailments of people for the last 1400 years, and it is still in its purest form retaining its healing powers. That is why water is still so much in demand. A motor has been attached to the well that takes out water to make it accessible to all and people fill it into bottles to be sold later.
Significance of the Beer-e-Shifa location
Beer-e-Shifa is located near the place where one of the most prominent battles, the Battle of Badr, took place. The Battle of Badr has immense significance in the Islamic world. The Battle led to the establishment of Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) leadership and authority in Makkah in particular and in Western Arabia in general.
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Things to do at Beer-e-Shifa
- Visitors to Beer-e-Shifa can buy empty water bottles and fill these bottles with the Aab-e-Shifa themselves. Motors have been attached to the well to collect the water and easily make it accessible to all. The water is then sent to reservoirs to cool it down. Taps are attached to the tanks so visitors can collect water in the bottles.
- There is a mosque close by where visitors can go and pray, but there is no restroom or bathroom to make Wudu before praying. So, visitors are advised to make their Wudu beforehand.
- While exploring the well, they should visit the historic site of Badr to explore Islam’s rich heritage and culture. The Battle of Badr is among the most significant battles that occurred in Islamic history.
Things to Keep in mind at Beer-e-Shifa
- If visitors are planning to fetch Aab-e-Shifa straight from the well, they should not put bottles into the well, as chances are the bottles will drop in the well and pollute the water.
- Visitors are advised to carry a muslin cloth and put it deep into the well until it reaches the well by tying it to a long rope. The water can then be squeezed out of the muslin cloth.
- If travelers are going to the nearby mosque, they are advised to make their Wudu beforehand as there is no restroom or washrooms around.
Visitors traveling to the holy city of Madinah should definitely check out the Beer-e-Shifa and taste the miraculous water. This highly significant place is underrated and needs to be explored more. Tourists can visit such places more to not only unravel the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia but to learn more about the history of Islam and Saudi Arabia.
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Beer E Shifa FAQs
How far is Beer-e-Shifa from Madinah Province?
The well is approximately 80 kilometers away from Madinah Province. It is situated between Madinah and Badr.
What are the Beer-e-Shifa benefits?
People have claimed that the Aab-e-Shifa has healing powers that can turn an unhealthy person/animal into a healthy one. It can miraculously heal any illness and abnormality.
Is Aab-e-Shifa free?
Yes, the water from the well is free. The packaged bottles that are sold near the well may not be free.
What is Beer-e-Shifa Hadith?
There is no Beer-e-Shifa Hadith that explains how the water in the well-turned extraordinary and miraculous by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), but the event is marked as a historical fact dating back to 1400 years.
How far is Beer-e-Shifa from the Prophet(ﷺ) Mosque?
The well is around 97 kilometers away from the Prophet(ﷺ) Mosque, located in Madinah City.