Bir Uthman, also known as Bi’r Rumah, is a historic well in the al-‘Aqiq area north-west of Madinah. In the early years after the Hijrah, ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan bought this well and made its water free for all Muslims, an act the Prophet ﷺ promised would be rewarded with Paradise.
The site is a powerful reminder of sadaqah jariyah, charity that keeps giving long after the giver has died.
The story of Bir Uthman
When the Muslims arrived in Madinah, sweet drinking water was scarce, and the well of Rumah was owned by a man who sold its water. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged someone to buy it for the Muslims. ‘Uthman bought it and made it a public endowment, open to rich and poor alike.
Al-Bukhari mentions in brief that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever digs (or buys) Rumah will have Paradise,” and that ‘Uthman did so. At-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa’i report that during the siege of his house, ‘Uthman reminded people of this, asking whether they knew that the Prophet ﷺ had said whoever bought the well of Rumah and shared it with the Muslims would have something better in Paradise, and that he had bought it.
A lasting endowment
Over the centuries the land around the well became a date farm. It is often said that the farm is still managed as an endowment and its income spent on charity in ‘Uthman’s name. Some form of endowment has existed, but many details shared online are exaggerated, so treat dramatic claims with care.
What you will see at Bir Uthman
The well sits within walled palm groves. In recent years the area has been developed by the authorities, with fencing, landscaping and information boards. Depending on current arrangements, you may see the well head and the gardens, or only the gate and the surrounding palms.
How to visit Bir Uthman
The site is roughly 5 to 7 km north-west of Masjid an-Nabawi, about 15 minutes by taxi, near the valley of al-‘Aqiq. It is not on every tour, so ask your guide in advance. Access has varied over the years, and on some days visitors can only stop at the entrance. Allow 20 to 30 minutes. Morning is best, as the farms are pleasant before the heat.
Bir Uthman etiquette: what the Sunnah teaches
Practical tips
Ask before you go
Confirm with your hotel or guide whether the site is open that day.
Give charity
Make a water-related donation in memory of the story.
Combine visits
Pair it with Masjid al-Qiblatayn and the Seven Mosques in the north-west.
Bir Uthman quick facts
| City | Madinah (al-‘Aqiq area) |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 5–7 km north-west of Masjid an-Nabawi |
| Time needed | 20–30 minutes |
| Best time | Morning |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Open to visitors | Varies; sometimes entrance or exterior only |
Bir Uthman (Bi’r Rumah)
About 5–7 km north-west of Masjid an-Nabawi
Open in Google MapsNearby ziyarat- Masjid al-Qiblatayn1.3 km
- The Seven Mosques2.4 km
- Mount Uhud and the Martyrs2.9 km
- Jabal al-Rumat (Archers’ Hill)2.9 km
Plan a north-west loop with Masjid al-Qiblatayn in the ziyarat route planner, or see every site on the ziyarat hub. Hadith references can be read on Sunnah.com.
Bir Uthman: frequently asked questions
Is the hadith about ‘Uthman and the well authentic?
Yes. It is mentioned by al-Bukhari in brief and reported by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa’i.
Can I drink from the well?
Access is controlled, and there is no special virtue in drinking from it. Follow the rules on site.
Is the endowment still active?
An endowment linked to the farm has long existed, but many online claims about it are exaggerated.
Is it open every day?
Access varies. Ask your hotel or guide before you set off.
Planning your days in Madinah? Our Madinah city guide has live prayer times, the weather, the local time and every ziyarah in the city on one page.
A meaningful Madinah ziyarat
We can plan a Madinah ziyarat that includes lesser-known sites such as the well of Rumah.