POST 8: Mahmoud, the Zamzam Waterboy

How Do You Say “Zamzam Waterboy” in Arabic?

Quick answer: The one who gives Zamzam water to drink is ساقي ماء زمزم (sāqī māʾ Zamzam), pronounced SAA-qee MAAʾ ZAM-zam. Sāqī means one who gives a drink, and māʾ means water. A water carrier is سقّاء (saqqāʾ).

Meet Mahmoud, the Zamzam Waterboy from Western Saudi Arabia

Zamzam is the famous well beside the Kaʿba in Makkah, and pilgrims drink its water and carry it home. Mahmoud serves it as one of the [Western Shabby Little Fellas → Hub link].

How Do You Pronounce Sāqī Māʾ Zamzam?

Say SAA-qee MAAʾ ZAM-zam. The q is a deep “k” from the back of the throat, and the ʾ in māʾ is a tiny catch in the throat.

Where Do the Words Come From?

Sāqī comes from the root س-ق-ي (to give to drink). Saqā means “he gave a drink,” and sāqiya (ساقية) is an irrigation channel. In classical Arabic poetry, the sāqī is the cupbearer who pours the drinks. → [Meet Abdel-aziz the Poet] Sāqī has the “AA-i” shape of ʿālim (scholar) and ṣāʾigh (silversmith). → [Meet Talib the Archaeologist]

How Do You Say “Mahmoud Serves Zamzam Water” in Arabic?

محمود ساقي ماء زمزم (Maḥmūd sāqī māʾ Zamzam).

FAQ

• What is the Arabic word for water? ماء (māʾ).
• What is the Arabic word for well? بئر (biʾr).
• What is the Arabic word for cup? كوب (kūb).
• What is the Arabic word for thirsty? عطشان (ʿaṭshān) for a man, and عطشانة (ʿaṭshāna) for a woman.
• What is the Arabic word for boy? ولد (walad).

Take Mahmoud home: [Keychain] Next: [See all 8 Western Fellas →]