Bir Rumah — Uthman Well
A historic well in Madinah associated with Uthman ibn Affan, who purchased it and made its water available to the Muslim community, creating one of the best-known stories of charitable endowment in Islamic history.
In northwestern Madinah lies Bir Rumah, a historic well connected to the early Muslim community in the city. The well was known for its water at a time when access to reliable water sources was essential to everyday life in Madinah.
Its story is closely associated with Uthman ibn Affan, companion of the Prophet ﷺ and the third Rightly Guided Caliph. After the Prophet ﷺ encouraged the purchase of the well for the benefit of the Muslim community, Uthman acquired it and made its water available for the sake of Allah. The story of Bir Rumah subsequently became one of the best-known examples of charitable endowment in Islamic history.
The significance of the site extends beyond the well itself. Its story offers a glimpse into daily life in Prophetic Madinah, when wells and orchards were essential parts of the city’s landscape and resources. Today, Bir Rumah remains a landmark associated with generosity and the enduring impact of charitable giving.
A well whose story became an enduring example of generosity and charitable endowment.
Prophetic narrations mention the virtue of Uthman ibn Affan’s purchase of Bir Rumah for the benefit of the Muslim community after the Prophet ﷺ encouraged its acquisition. The significance relates to Uthman’s charitable act; no specific religious merit is established for visiting the well itself.
Bir Rumah was known in Madinah during the Prophetic era and became closely associated with Uthman ibn Affan after he purchased it for the benefit of the Muslim community. Located in an area historically known for its wells and orchards, the site has preserved its association with Uthman and the tradition of waqf through the centuries.
Check visiting arrangements before setting out.
- Best time
- Not entered yet
- Distance
- Not entered yet
- Suggested duration
- Not entered yet
More stories from the city
At the Heart of MadinahThe Prophet’s Mosque
The First Mosque in IslamQuba Mosque
