• A man in Turkey amassed $2.5 million by selling counterfeit Zamzam water, selling it with fraudulent labels.
• Fake Zamzam has also been found in the UK, experts warn of subtle differences between genuine and fake bottles. Zamzam water remains a miraculous gift from Allah.
A man accused of distributing counterfeit Zamzam water in Turkey has been found to have accumulated millions of Turkish lira, according to preliminary investigations into the scandal.
Local media reports indicate that the fraudulent scheme, which involved the mass production and sale of fake Zamzam water, generated an estimated 90 million lira ($2.5 million) in revenue. Investigators discovered that the operation produced approximately 20 tonnes of counterfeit Zamzam water daily, yielding a daily income of around 600,000 lira ($22,000).
Large-Scale Counterfeiting Operation Uncovered
The suspect, identified as Bilal, admitted during interrogation that he had orchestrated the scheme for nearly five months, during which he profited close to $2.5 million. He further confessed that a significant portion of the Zamzam water sold across Turkey, including in Istanbul, originated from his warehouse in Adana, southern Turkey.
Upon raiding the facility, authorities uncovered 15 tonnes (15,000 litres) of ordinary tap water packaged in bottles bearing counterfeit labels falsely certifying the product as authentic Zamzam water from Saudi Arabia. Vast quantities of bottled water, ranging from small personal-use containers to larger household-sized jugs were found. The fraudulent labels, meticulously designed to mislead consumers, featured Arabic text and references to Saudi Arabia, the source of genuine Zamzam water, which holds deep religious significance for Muslims. Many individuals who are sick, purchase the holy water for shifa (healing).
Mixing Counterfeit with Genuine
During questioning, Bilal claimed that he had blended small amounts of authentic Zamzam water, allegedly sourced from vehicles arriving from Saudi Arabia, with tap water at his facility. He insisted that prior to the raid, he had received no complaints from customers.
Authorities have since confiscated the counterfeit stock for destruction, sealed the facility, and launched an extensive investigation into all individuals implicated in the illicit trade.
High Demand for Zamzam Water in Turkey
Zamzam water remains in high demand in Turkey, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, with bottles widely available in markets and retail stores. However, the extent of the counterfeit products distribution across the country remains unclear.
Counterfeit Zamzam Water Previously Found in the UK
This is not the first instance of counterfeit Zamzam water infiltrating international markets. In 2022, fake bottles surfaced in Leicester, UK, where authorities warned that thousands of bottles had already been distributed.
A raid in London resulted in the seizure of 1,400 litres of fraudulent Zamzam water by Trading Standards officers, who deemed the counterfeit version unsafe for consumption.
Experts advised consumers to check for subtle differences between genuine and fake bottles. According to an Imam in Leicester, who wished to remain anonymous, labels on both the counterfeit and authentic bottles are almost identical, making it difficult for the public to differentiate between them.
The Imam did however state that the key distinguishing features include variations in the logos on the bottle caps, slight discrepancies in branding and date markings, and differences in the base design. Crucially, genuine Zamzam bottles feature an embossed ‘S’ within the grooves of the base — an indicator of their Saudi origin—whereas the fake versions lack this mark. In addition, ZamZam water has a very unique taste.
ZamZam: A gift from Allah
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said
“The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for” (Ibn Majah, 3062)
Beneath the burning Saudi Arabian sands, Zamzam never runs dry, no matter how fierce the desert heat. Moreover, the well has never dried up in over 4,000 years— a truly miraculous gift.
Millions of litres of Zamzam water are provided to pilgrims every year, which a special gift from Allah. Interestingly, unlike many wells, the Zamzam well has no visible source of water (such as a river or underground reservoir).
Scientists have historically attempted to claim that the water refills through underground sources. However, the fact that it has never dried up despite excessive use is considered remarkable and mysterious. Moreover, it’s unique purity and composition is a miracle that scientists have been unable to explain. Zamzam water contains a high mineral content, making it different from ordinary water. Furthermore, unlike many underground water sources, it does not develop algae or bacteria, maintaining its purity naturally.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) praised Zamzam water, saying:
“The best water on the face of the earth is Zamzam. In it, there is food for nourishment and healing for illness.” (al-Mu’jam al-Kabir, 11:98)
Drinking Zamzam with sincere intentions and reliance on Allah, certainly brings blessings and healing, just make sure it’s actual ZamZam that you’re drinking!
