Bir Al-Khatam: The most famous well in Medina. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) drank from it and, while there, gave Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman the glad tidings of Paradise.
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The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) drank from it, and beside it he gave Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, and Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with them) the glad tidings of Paradise. It was also where the ring fell from the hand of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan. It is the most famous well in Medina, known as Bir Al-Khatam (The Well of the Ring), which has become a historical and tourist landmark among the sites of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. It is located approximately 38 meters from Quba Mosque and has a well-known historical presence in the noble Prophetic biography. So, what is the story of this famous well? And what are its most prominent narratives?
Bir Al-Khatam, also known as Bir Arys, is one of the famous historical wells in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, among a large number of wells that were once widely distributed throughout the city. Most of them have been covered or disappeared as a result of urban expansion in Medina. According to the Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Volume Four: Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Region (p. 363), there were 23 wells in Medina: Bir Anas ibn Malik, Bir Ihab, Bir Al-Bassah, Al-Khatam, Al-Raqa, Al-Suqya, Al-Ahn, Buda'ah, Bir Ha, Dhurawan, Rumah, Adhqan, Ghars, Arys, Hajar, Al-Buwairah, Bir Sa'id ibn Al-As, Bir Urwah ibn Al-Zubair, Bir Arwa, Al-Mughira, Al-Hujaym, Bir Abu Anabah, and Bir Jasum.
History of the Well:
Bir Al-Khatam is located in Medina in a garden near Quba Mosque. In the past, it was topped by a prominent dome, which was later removed along with the well as part of the expansion of Quba Mosque. The well appears to have been relatively shallow, reaching a depth of approximately 12 meters, with an opening measuring about 1.5 meters in diameter. Its water flowed into a pool that irrigated the garden, where fruits, particularly grapes, were grown.
Al-Fayruzabadi mentioned in Al-Maghanim Al-Mutabah fi Ma'alim Tabah that Bir Al-Khatam was located beneath one of the fortresses of Medina that had become ruined and collapsed. A residence was later built above it for the person responsible for maintaining the garden and serving Quba Mosque. The surrounding area contained houses belonging to the Ansar and traces of their dwellings. The well also had steps leading down to it, which were used by visitors and those coming to perform ablution or drink. These steps were renovated by Al-Lami in 714 AH. More recently, the site was identified and developed to become one of the heritage sites and historical attractions.
Most Famous Events:
Historical sources confirm that Bir Arys in Quba is the well into which the ring of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fell, and it subsequently became known as Bir Al-Khatam. The Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia identifies the site as one of the most prominent wells associated with the Prophetic biography in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah.
It is narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari that the Prophet (peace be upon him) sat beside the well and then gave Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them) permission to enter, giving them the glad tidings of Paradise. This narration gives the well a distinctive place in Islamic history.
The Prophetic ring was used to seal official letters. It was made of silver and bore the inscription “Muhammad, Messenger of Allah.” According to historical accounts, after the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the ring passed successively to Abu Bakr, Umar, and then Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them).
Historical sources state that Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) was sitting at the edge of the well, moving the ring in his hand, when it slipped from his finger and disappeared into the bottom of the well. Uthman was deeply saddened by the loss and ordered that the water be drained. The search continued for three days, but the ring could not be found. Given the historical significance of Bir Al-Khatam in Islamic history, the relevant authorities have taken an interest in the well and included it among projects for the development and rehabilitation of Islamic historical sites and tourist attractions.
References:
· The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Public Library, Volume Four, p. 363
