When the Holy Family reached the well of Bir al-Sahaba, a few kilometers south of Beni Hasan (there is no direct road though) and north of Dayr Abu Hinnis in the desert, they found no water. Jesus wanted to return to the Nile to get water, but suddenly a large cloud appeared and provided them with shade against the burning sun, then a well was formed to quench the thirst of the Holy Family. This fascinating oral tradition thus explains the name of the well, for al-Sahaba means cloud in Arabic.
The well which is 23 meters deep. It is a famous site for expectant mothers and diseased people, whether Muslims or Christians.
Photo: Norbert Schiller, Bir al-Sahaba
Photo: Shangyun Shen, desert in Upper Egypt.
Photo: Paul Perry, the well of Bir al-Sahaba.
Holy Family in Egypt 