The Sunnah Way of Drinking Water

Prophetic Guidance for Health, Barakah & Mindfulness

Drinking water in Islam is not a careless habit—it is a Sunnah-filled act of worship when done according to the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ. The Sunnah way of drinking water teaches gratitude, moderation, mindfulness, and physical well-being, making even this daily necessity a source of barakah and reward.

In Tibb-e-Nabawi, water is a foundation of health, but how it is consumed determines benefit or harm.

Begin With the Right Intention

Before drinking water, a believer intends:

• To nourish the body for worship

• To maintain health

• To thank Allah for His blessing

With intention, drinking becomes worship.

Say Bismillah Before Drinking

The Prophet ﷺ taught us to begin all good acts with the name of Allah.

Before drinking, say:

Arabic:
بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ

Meaning:
In the Name of Allah

Saying Bismillah:

• Brings barakah

• Protects from Shayṭān

• Increases benefit

Drink With the Right Hand

The Prophet ﷺ instructed:

“Drink with your right hand, for Shayṭān drinks with his left hand.”

-(Sunan Ibn Majah, 3266)

This Sunnah teaches:

• Discipline

• Respect for blessings

• Conscious behavior

Sit While Drinking

From the Sunnah:

• The Prophet ﷺ usually sat while drinking water

Sitting while drinking:

• Is calmer

• Is healthier

• Aids digestion

Drinking while standing is allowed, but sitting is the preferred Sunnah.

Drink in Three Breaths

One of the most important Sunnahs.

The Prophet ﷺ:

• Drank water in three sips

• Paused between each sip

• Removed the vessel from the mouth while breathing

This:

• Prevents choking

• Improves digestion

• Calms the body

Do Not Breathe Into the Vessel

The Prophet ﷺ forbade:

• Breathing into the water vessel

This:

• Maintains cleanliness

• Prevents contamination

• Protects others

Avoid Excessively Cold Water

From Tibb-e-Nabawi wisdom:

• Very cold water harms digestion

• Sudden cold shocks the system

Moderately cool or room-temperature water is more beneficial, especially when thirsty or tired.

Drink Slowly & Mindfully

The Sunnah teaches:

• Calm drinking

• Avoiding haste

Hasty drinking:

• Burdens the stomach

• Reduces benefit

Mindfulness brings barakah.

Do Not Waste Water

Islam strictly forbids waste—even in abundance.

The Prophet ﷺ warned against:

• Excess use of water

• Carelessness with blessings

Water is a trust (amānah) from Allah.

Praise Allah After Drinking

Duʿāʾ After Drinking Water

Arabic:
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ الَّذِىْ سَقَانَا عَذْباً فُرَاتاً بِرَحْمَتِهِ وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْهُ مِلْحاً اُجَاجاً بِذُنُوْبِنَ

Transliteration:

Alhamdu Lillahilladhi saqaanaa adhban furaatan birahmatehee walam yaj’alhu milhan ujaajan bidhunoobina. 

Meaning:
All praise is due to Allah, Who of his mercy has granted us sweet and pleasant water to drink and did not make it bitter and salty due to our sins.

Saying Al-ḥamdu lillāh:

• Completes the act of worship

• Brings Allah’s pleasure

Zamzam Water: A Special Sunnah

From the Sunnah:

• Drink Zamzam standing (exception)

• Drink with intention

• Drink until satisfied

• Make duʿāʾ while drinking

“Zamzam water is for whatever it is drunk for.”

-(Sunan Ibn Majah, 3062)

Tibb-e-Nabawi & Health Wisdom

The Sunnah way of drinking:

• Protects digestion

• Prevents stomach disorders

• Supports hydration properly

• Reduces stress on organs

Modern medicine confirms these Prophetic practices.

Spiritual Reflection

The Sunnah of drinking water teaches:

• Gratitude for simple blessings

• Self-control

• Awareness in daily life

A believer does not drink heedlessly—he drinks with remembrance.

Conclusion

The Sunnah way of drinking water transforms a basic habit into a source of health, barakah, and worship. By sitting, drinking in three breaths, using the right hand, avoiding waste, and praising Allah, a Muslim follows Prophetic guidance that benefits both body and soul.

Reviving this Sunnah revives mindfulness, gratitude, and wellness.