How to Drink Water According to Islamic Sunnah

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 3, 2020 References Approved

Sunnah is the way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims on the basis of the teachings and practices of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) and interpretations of the Qur'an. It is necessary for all the Muslims around the world to follow the Sunnah in every matter of their life. This article will guide you to drink water in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) and it is for all people around the world without the distinction of Muslims or non-Muslims.

Steps

1
Take a clean glass and fill it with water according to your requirement. It is necessary that you don't drink a lot of water at a time even if you're very thirsty.
- Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Do not drink directly from a water pitcher (or any water container)". (Hadith Bukhari)
- Drinking water is healthy but drinking it in an improper way is not. So the main thing is that you drink water according to your daily requirement (1.5-2 liters/day).
- Science proves that when a person drinks too much water in a short period of time, the kidneys cannot flush it out fast enough and the blood becomes waterlogged, which can, strangely, become a cause of death. ^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
2
Recite "Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim" / "بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ" (In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful).
- Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said: "When commencing to drink first recite Bismillah." (Hadith Tirmidhi).
- By this act, we actually praise The Almighty Allah, who gave us water to drink without which nobody can survive on earth.
Advertisement
3
Drink water with the right hand. Like most of other daily routine works are said to be performed with right hand, drinking water is also among them.
- Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Never eat and drink with the left hand because Shaytaan (Satan) eats with the left hand." (Hadith Muslim)^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
4
Sit down and drink water. Everyone is in a hurry for something, but that should not stop us from taking a moment to sit down and drink it in a healthy way.
- Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Sit down and drink." (Hadith Muslim) and also said: "None of you should drink while standing; and if anyone forgets, he must vomit." ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Science has proved that drinking water whilst standing or walking can cause Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) damage, kidney damage, arthritis, nerve tension and other disorders. ^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
5
Drink water while taking three breathing pauses. It is prohibited to drink water in a single gulp, an act that we normally do when we are extremely thirsty.
- Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Do not drink water only in one breath, but drink it in two or three breaths."^{[5]
  X
  Research source}^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- Scientific studies show that there are many harmful effects in drinking water in one gulp. It can cause choking of esophagus. It especially weakens the muscles and nerves. It is also detrimental for the liver and stomach. ^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
6
While drinking water, do not blow or exhale your breath into the glass. This is an important etiquette of drinking water.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Abdullah Bin Abbas (Radi Allahu anhuma) narrates the Prophet of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Do not blow from your mouth into food and water."^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- Science shows that exhaling CO₂ into a glass of water causes it to react and form carbonic acid that can disturb our internal environment causing a pH change. This, in worse condition, can lead to 'Acidosis' (a condition where the blood has too much acid, or a very low base, and often causes decreased blood pH). ^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
7
Recite "Alhamdulillah" / "الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ" ([All] praise is [due] to Allah) after drinking water.
- Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Recite 'Bismillah' before drinking and say 'Alhamdulillah' after drinking." ^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
- This act is performed to praise The Almighty Allah for blessing us with water; colorless, odorless, tasteless yet the most important drink on the whole earth.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it healthy to drink water before food the Sunnah way?

Amna_35

Community Answer

Drinking water before food is beneficial and in accordance with Sunnah.
Question

What is the reason of drinking water in 3 breaths?

Amna_35

Community Answer

Gulping down water can choke the esophagus. Giving breathing pauses help the esophageal muscles to relax.
Question

Can we drink water early in the morning?

Community Answer

Yes, it provides many benefits, such as removal of toxins and in loss of weight.