Chapter on the Reasons Behind Hajj

It is discouraged to reside permanently in Mecca because the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, was driven out from it. Living there can harden one's heart to the extent that a person may commit deeds in Mecca similar to what they would commit elsewhere. The water of Zamzam was not originally salty, but it acted arrogantly toward other waters. Therefore, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Glorious, caused a spring of patience to flow into it. Zamzam's water becomes salty at certain times because a spring flows into it from beneath the stone. When the spring's water overpowers Zamzam's natural flow, its taste changes to salty. The name "Safa" comes from the "chosen one" (Mustafa), as Prophet Adam عليه السلام descended upon it. The mountain was named after Adam because of Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى words: “Indeed, Allah سبحانه وتعالى chose Adam and Noah...” (Surah Aal-E-Imran 3:33). Hawa (Eve) descended upon "Marwah," and the mountain was named after her because it took part of the woman's (mar'ah) name.