Bir Usman: The Well Purchased for Paradise
A Legacy of Everlasting Charity
Discover the story of Bir Usman (The Well of Usman), a simple well that stands as one of the most powerful testaments to faith, foresight, and the concept of ongoing charity (sadaqa jariya) in Islamic history. Located in Madinah, this well is far more than a source of water; it is a tangible lesson in generosity, a transaction made for Jannah by the companion Uthman ibn Affan (RA), whose blessed charity continues to flow to this day.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A Living Legacy
The site of Bir Usman today is a large, functioning date palm plantation. The original historic well is preserved and accessible for viewing within this green oasis. The visit is a unique opportunity to witness the incredible legacy that a single act of sincere charity can create, flourishing for over 1,400 years.
The Spiritual Significance: The Story of a Heavenly Transaction
Sensing the community’s hardship, the Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) made a profound announcement in the mosque:
The third Caliph of Islam, Uthman ibn Affan (RA), a wealthy and astute businessman, immediately seized this opportunity to invest for the hereafter.
He approached the owner and offered to buy the well. The owner refused to sell it outright, so Uthman (RA)
Uthman (RA) immediately dedicated the well as a waqf (a permanent religious endowment) for the free use of all Muslims, rich and poor alike. This single act became one of the most famous examples of sadaqa jariya in history.
The legacy is astounding. Over the centuries, the endowment was managed, and a lush date palm farm grew around the well. The proceeds from the harvests were used to help the poor, with a portion saved in a bank account registered under the name of Uthman ibn Affan. These funds eventually grew large enough to purchase land and build a modern hotel in the central area of Madinah. To this day, the income from this hotel is distributed to orphans and the needy, continuing the charity of Uthman (RA) 14 centuries later.
The Visiting Experience
- A Green Oasis: Your visit will take you to a large, walled plantation filled with thousands of date palms, a testament to the blessings of the endowment.
- The Historic Well: You will be able to see the original well, now covered and preserved for its historical significance.
- A Moment of Reflection: The experience is a profound one. It is a chance to reflect on the power of sincere giving, the wisdom of investing for the Akhirah (hereafter), and the incredible barakah (blessing) that Allah can place in a single act of generosity.
Practical Information and Logistics
- Visit Duration: It is a quick but deeply inspiring stop, usually included as part of a comprehensive Ziyarat tour of Madinah’s historical sites.
Visiting with Umrah.cab
The powerful story of Bir Usman is one of Madinah’s most inspiring hidden gems, and many pilgrims miss the opportunity to visit this site.
- Discover the Full Story: Our experienced drivers not only take you to the well but can also narrate the full, incredible history of this endowment—from the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) to its amazing modern-day legacy.
- Convenient and Comfortable: Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to this and other important sites that are outside the central walking area of the city.
- An Inspiring Itinerary: We believe in creating meaningful journeys. A stop at Bir Usman adds a unique and powerful dimension to your Ziyarat, teaching a lesson you will never forget.
Let us take you on a journey to witness the fruits of a transaction made for Paradise.
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