The Inspiring Story of Bir Rumah: The Prophet’s ﷺ Glad Tidings and Hazrat Uthman’s (RA) Enduring Endowment

Islamabad: Bir Rumah, also known as Bir Uthman, is one of Madinah’s most historic and revered wells, remembered for the generosity of Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA) and the glad tidings given by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

When the Prophet ﷺ and his companions migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the city faced a severe shortage of fresh drinking water. Bir Rumah was the only well known for its sweet and abundant water, but it was owned by a Jewish man who sold water at high prices.

According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged his companions by saying that whoever purchased the well and dedicated it for the benefit of Muslims would be rewarded by Allah with a better spring in Paradise.

Inspired by this promise, Hazrat Uthman (RA) approached the owner to purchase the well. When the owner refused to sell it outright, Hazrat Uthman (RA) bought a half share of the well for 12,000 dirhams (some narrations mention 3,500 dinars).

Under the agreement, Hazrat Uthman (RA) had the right to use the well on alternate days. On his designated days, he allowed the people of Madinah to draw as much water as they wished free of charge. As a result, residents stored enough water for the following day, leaving the owner with virtually no customers on his allotted days.

Eventually, the owner agreed to sell the remaining half of the well to Hazrat Uthman (RA), who then dedicated the entire well as a waqf (charitable endowment) for the Muslim community.

More than 1,400 years later, the endowment associated with Bir Rumah is still remembered as one of the most remarkable examples of lasting charity in Islamic history. A large date palm orchard, known as Hadiqat Uthman, developed around the well and continues to be maintained under the supervision of Saudi authorities.

According to widely circulated historical accounts, revenues generated from the orchard have been used to support charitable initiatives. It is also reported that investments made from the endowment have funded additional properties, with a portion of the income benefiting widows, orphans, and other people in need.

Bir Rumah is located approximately 5 to 6 kilometers northwest of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, near Wadi Al-Aqiq in Madinah, and remains an enduring symbol of faith, generosity, and perpetual charity in Islamic history.