Bir Rumah

Overview

Bir Rumah, also known as the Well of Uthman, is a historic well located in the northwestern part of Madinah surrounded by a public garden and date palm groves. The well site has been developed into a small park-like area that provides a peaceful green space for visitors. A large date palm garden adjacent to the well is said to still produce fruit from trees descended from the original plantings.

Historical significance

When the Muslims first arrived in Madinah, fresh water was scarce and a man named Rumah owned this well, selling water at high prices. The Prophet ﷺ promised Paradise to whoever would buy the well and make it freely available. Uthman ibn Affan purchased the well and donated it as a waqf (endowment) for all Muslims, establishing one of the earliest charitable endowments in Islamic history. This act of generosity became a model for Islamic philanthropy that persists to this day.

Did you know?

Uthman initially bought only half the well (alternate-day access) because the owner would not sell it outright. He then offered the owner such favorable terms for the remaining half that the full sale was eventually completed.

Hadith

Whoever buys the well of Rumah and shares its water, his bucket will be equal to that of the Muslims, and for him will be better than it in Paradise.

— Jami at-Tirmidhi 3703

Du'as