Madinah Landmarks

The Well of Ghars

Ghars Well is one of the historical sites linked to the biography of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). It is in Al-Awali District, on Qurban Road, south of the Prophet’s Mosque. It is 1500 meters to the northeast of the Quba Mosque. The well is lined with basalt stones and is surrounded by building foundations.

Historical sources narrate that Malik bin Al-Nahhat dug the Ghars Well, the grandfather of Sa’ad bin Khaythamah bin Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with him), the latter of whom owned the well when he hosted Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) during the Hijra (migration) from Mecca to Madinah.

The Prophet was said to have drunk water and made ablution from the well. He dreamed that he took his position on a well from Paradise. In the morning, he took his position on Ghars Well. The Prophet instructed Ali bin Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) to wash him, after his demise, with seven waterskins from Ghars Well. He attributed the well to himself, referring to it as “my well.”

This well still bears witness to episodes in the fragrant life of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him. Visitors of the well quench their thirst, feel happy, and learns moral lessons. They drink from its fresh water, and recall the history of early Muslims.

A Spring from Paradise:

The Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, used to drink from its water. He performed ablution from its water and poured the rest of his ablution into it, so its water became abundant and did not run out.

It was narrated that the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, spat in it and poured honey that was given to him into it. He also requested that he be washed with its water after his death. He referred to it as "my well" and said that it was a spring from paradise.

Restoration and Development:

The well was restored and enclosed by a roofed iron screen. The surrounding yard was covered with natural rocks, and a two-meter-high wall was built around the yard, while taking care of the historic mosque adjacent to it. Water has been re-pumped out of the well to provide it to visitors of this Prophetic well.

Well Location and Opening Times:

The Well of Ghars is located in Quba, 1,500 meters northeast of Quba mosque. Today, it is in the midst of the populated area. After its restoration and the development of its site, people visit the well to see its landmarks and recall the relevant episodes in the life of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him.

The well is open to visitors daily from 9:00 to 1:00 pm, and from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.

Accessing the Well:

The well can be reached via Ali bin Ali Talib Road. It is next to Ash-Shawi Private School.