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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.

The Sunnah of Drinking Water

Say the dua “Bismillah” and then sit down and drink the water with your right hand. Pause 3 times to finish the water; do not drink it all in 1 gulp. Then, recite "Alhamdulillah" when you’re done.

  1. Recite the dua "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.
  2. 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) [1]
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  3. 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." [2]
    • Science has proved that drinking water whilst standing or walking can cause Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) damage, kidney damage, arthritis, nerve tension and other disorders. [3]
  4. 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." [4] [5]
    • 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. [6]
  5. This is an important etiquette of drinking water. [7]
    • 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." [8]
    • Science shows that exhaling CO 2 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). [9]
    • Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Recite 'Bismillah' before drinking and say 'Alhamdulillah' after drinking."
    • 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.
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  • 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.
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      • 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. [10]
      • It is better to drink water before meals or during meals rather than after it.
      • All the above-mentioned steps should be followed when drinking any other Halal drink.
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