Ghars Well (Bir Ghars) is a historic well in Madinah’s Al-Awali district, connected in Islamic tradition to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It lies a short distance from Quba Mosque. The official Madinah tourism site currently lists it as closed for maintenance, so confirm its status before planning a visit.

What Is Ghars Well?

What Is Ghars Well?

Ghars Well, also written Bir Ghars, is one of Madinah’s historic prophetic wells. Visit Saudi describes it as one of the seven prophetic wells still preserved in the city. Many pilgrims spend their time between Masjid an-Nabawi, Quba and Qiblatain and never hear of it, yet it has a place in the early history of Islam in Madinah.

Where Is Ghars Well Located?

The well is in Al-Awali District on Qurban Road, south of the Prophet’s Mosque, about 1,500 metres northeast of Quba Mosque. The tourism site adds that it can be reached via Ali ibn Abi Talib Road, next to a private school. Today the well sits within a built-up residential area.

Getting your bearings from Quba Mosque

Quba Mosque is the easiest reference point. Give your driver “Ghars Well, near Quba, Al-Awali” and the Ali ibn Abi Talib Road landmark. A local driver will usually know it, but the name is often pronounced or spelled differently (“Ghars”, “Gharas”, “Bir Ghars”).

Why distance figures differ between sources

You will see different distances to the Prophet’s Mosque. Some sources give roughly four kilometres, while an SPA article states approximately 1,500 metres south of the Prophet’s Mosque. The official Madinah tourism site measures from Quba, which is why this guide does too. Use a map pin rather than a distance figure when planning.

History and Significance

History and Significance

Origin and ownership of the well

Historical sources say Malik ibn al-Nahhat dug the well. It later belonged to his grandson Sa’d ibn Khaythamah, who hosted the Prophet ﷺ during the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah.

What Islamic sources report about the Prophet ﷺ and the well

Reports in the Islamic tradition, as summarised by the Madinah tourism authority, say the Prophet ﷺ drank from the well, performed ablution with its water and referred to it as “my well”. The most frequently cited report is from Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him). It says the Prophet ﷺ asked to be washed with water from this well after his death. This report is attributed to Sunan Ibn Majah.

This is a summary of reported narrations, not a religious ruling. For questions about the strength of a specific narration or its implications, consult a qualified scholar.

The name “Ghars”

According to Madain Project, the name is linked to planting, meaning a sapling or tree planted at the site. It notes the historian al-Samhudi recorded that Madinah residents pronounced it in more than one way. Both pronunciations were heard. That explains the spelling variations you will find online.

Later history and restoration

Historical accounts describe the well being damaged by floods, silted up and restored more than once over the centuries. The nineteenth-century traveller Richard Burton described it as a large well with plentiful water. In recent years the site was renovated. The renovated complex includes an outer stone enclosure, a small mosque to the north and a small drinking fountain (sabil). The tourism site notes that the well was enclosed under a roofed iron screen, with the surrounding yard paved in natural stone and a two-metre wall built around it.

Visiting Status: Check Before You Go

As of this guide’s writing, the official Madinah tourism page says the well is closed for maintenance and that a reopening date will be announced. Opening times listed on third-party sites may be out of date.

Before you go:

  • Check the official Madinah tourism page for the latest notice.
  • Ask your hotel or transport provider to confirm with local sources on the day.
  • Decide whether you still want to pass by the neighbourhood, or replace the stop with another ziyarat site.

What Visitors Can Expect at the Site

When open, visitors have reported a restored enclosure, a small adjacent mosque and access to water. The tourism site says water was pumped again from the well for visitors. Expect a short, quiet stop rather than a large attraction. It suits reflection and photographs, and most visits take a short time. Dress modestly and be respectful of other visitors and any nearby residents.

Is Visiting Ghars Well Part of Umrah?

No. Umrah consists of ihram, tawaf, sa’i and shaving or trimming the hair, all in Makkah. Visiting historic sites in Madinah, including Ghars Well, is optional ziyarat. It is undertaken for learning and reflection rather than as a required rite. If you have a specific question about the religious status of visiting particular sites, ask a qualified scholar.

Combining Ghars Well With Other Madinah Ziyarat Stops

Ghars Well is in the Quba area, so it fits naturally into a half-day route with nearby sites:

  • Quba Mosque: the closest major landmark and the natural anchor of the route.
  • Qiblatain Mosque: a common stop on Madinah ziyarat itineraries.
  • Other historic wells and mosques in the city, if you are interested in the wells of Madinah.

Group these stops by area to avoid crossing the city repeatedly. A driver who knows the local roads can suggest a sensible order.

Transportation to Ghars Well

Why private transport suits this site

The site is in a residential area away from the central Masjid an-Nabawi zone. Pilgrims staying near the Prophet’s Mosque will usually need a vehicle rather than a walk. A private car or family vehicle allows you to travel door to door and to set your own pace at each stop. Your driver can wait while you visit, which avoids the difficulty of finding a return ride from a quiet neighbourhood.

Family and group considerations

  • Families: confirm space for luggage-free comfort, children and elderly relatives, and ask about seating needs in advance.
  • Groups: tell the transport provider your group size so an appropriate vehicle can be arranged.
  • Mobility: mention any mobility needs when you book so the stops and vehicle can be planned accordingly.

Timing and planning tips

  • Confirm the site’s status first, as covered above.
  • Plan around prayer times, and avoid tight schedules on days with a flight or hotel transfer.
  • During busy Umrah periods and Ramadan, traffic and demand increase, so book ahead.
  • Save a map pin and the site’s name in English and Arabic (بئر غرس).

Booking Private Transportation With Zukhruph Transport

Zukhruph Transport provides private luxury transportation in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on Umrah pilgrims and travellers in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and Taif. For a Madinah ziyarat, that can mean a private vehicle for a half-day route covering Quba and nearby sites, as well as hotel transfers and transfers between cities.

Tell the team your hotel, group size, preferred stops and timing, and ask them to confirm the current status of Ghars Well before the trip.

Contact Zukhruph Transport on WhatsApp at +966561954936 to discuss your private transportation requirements in Madinah and across Saudi Arabia.

Website: https://zukhruphtransport.com/

FAQs

1. What is Ghars Well?
It is a historic well in Madinah’s Al-Awali district, connected in Islamic tradition to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and counted among the seven prophetic wells.

2. Where is Ghars Well located?
In Al-Awali, on Qurban Road, about 1,500 metres northeast of Quba Mosque, per the official Madinah tourism site.

3. Is Ghars Well open to visitors?
The official Madinah tourism page currently says it is closed for maintenance with no reopening date. Check that page before visiting.

4. Why is Ghars Well important?
Reports say the Prophet ﷺ drank and made ablution from it and asked to be washed with its water after his death.

5. Is visiting Ghars Well part of Umrah?
No. It is an optional ziyarat site and not a rite of Umrah.

6. Can I drink the water from Ghars Well?
Official sources say water was pumped for visitors after restoration, but access depends on the site’s current status. Follow on-site instructions.

7. How far is Ghars Well from Quba Mosque?
About 1,500 metres according to the official tourism site, so the two are easy to combine.

8. How do I get to Ghars Well from Masjid an-Nabawi?
The simplest option is a private car or taxi, as it lies in Al-Awali rather than in the central area.

9. Which places can I visit together with Ghars Well?
Quba Mosque and Qiblatain Mosque are the usual companions on a Madinah ziyarat route.

10. How long does a visit take?
It is normally a short stop. Allow more time if you are combining it with Quba and other sites.

11. Why is it spelled differently online?
The name appears as Ghars, Gharas, Ghurs and Bir Ghars because of variations in pronunciation and transliteration.

12. Can Zukhruph Transport arrange a ziyarat trip that includes Ghars Well?
Yes, private ziyarat transportation in Madinah can be discussed with Zukhruph Transport. Ask them to confirm the site’s status when you book.

13. Is private transport suitable for families and elderly pilgrims?
Private transport allows door-to-door travel and flexible stops. Share your group’s needs when booking.

14. Do I need a guide to visit?
Not required, but a knowledgeable driver or guide can help with location, timing and etiquette.