In Islam, even small daily acts, like drinking water, are enriched with purpose and mindfulness through the Sunnah, the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet emphasized etiquettes and principles for drinking water, blending spiritual and practical wisdom. This guide explores eight hadiths on drinking water, each carrying lessons in simplicity, gratitude, and mindfulness.
The hadiths shared here provide essential etiquettes for drinking water, such as sitting down, using the right hand, saying “Bismillah” before starting, and concluding with “Alhamdulillah.” These teachings from the Prophet (PBUH) foster respect, moderation, and gratitude for the blessing of water. Let’s explore each hadith to understand its lessons and bring this beautiful Sunnah into our daily lives.
Sit Down When Drinking Water
Hadith in English
“
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised his followers to sit while drinking water, a simple practice with physical and spiritual benefits.”
Hadith in Arabic
“
أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَهَى أَنْ يَشْرَبَ الرَّجُلُ قَائِمًا”
Hadith in Urdu
“
رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے منع فرمایا کہ انسان کھڑے ہو کر پانی پیے۔”
Reference
(Sahih Muslim: 2024(a))
Important Lesson – Humility and Mindfulness
Sitting while drinking encourages a slower, more mindful approach, fostering humility and respect. Beyond physical benefits, it cultivates a meaningful connection to the act, prompting us to appreciate the blessing of water.
Avoid Drinking Directly from a Water Pitcher
Hadith in English
“
The Prophet (PBUH) discouraged drinking directly from large containers, advising that water be poured into a smaller vessel, like a cup.”
Hadith in Arabic
“
لَا يَشْرَبْ أَحَدُكُمْ مِنْ فِي السِّقَاءِ”
Hadith in Urdu
“
رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے برتن کے منہ سے پانی پینے سے منع فرمایا۔”
Reference
(Sahih Bukhari: 5627)
Important Lesson – Moderation and Cleanliness
This guidance maintains the cleanliness of the water, encourages moderation, and prevents contamination. Pouring water into a cup or smaller vessel also helps avoid wastage and teaches us to consume only what we need.
Hold the Cup in Your Right Hand
Hadith in English
“
The Prophet (PBUH) instructed his followers to use the right hand while drinking, as a sign of respect and cleanliness.”
Hadith in Arabic
“
كُلُوا بِأَيْمَانِكُمْ وَاشْرَبُوا بِأَيْمَانِكُمْ”
Hadith in Urdu
“
رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا کہ اپنے دائیں ہاتھ سے کھاؤ اور پیو۔“
Reference
(Sahih Muslim: 2020(a))
Important Lesson – Following the Right Path
Using the right hand for drinking and eating is symbolic of choosing righteousness. This simple act reminds us to be conscious of our actions, even in routine practices like drinking.
Do Not Use Silver or Gold Vessels
Hadith in English
“
The Prophet (PBUH) advised against using silver or gold vessels for drinking, promoting simplicity in daily life.”
Hadith in Arabic
“
لَا تَشْرَبُوا فِي آنِيَةِ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِضَّةِ”
Hadith in Urdu
“
رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے چاندی اور سونے کے برتنوں میں پینے سے منع فرمایا۔”
Reference
(Sahih Bukhari: 5633)
Important Lesson – Simplicity and Avoiding Extravagance
The guidance against luxurious vessels reminds us to embrace simplicity and humility. This practice discourages a lifestyle of excess, urging us to focus on the essence rather than on material extravagance.
Say “Bismillah” Before Drinking Water
Hadith in English
The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before drinking, to seek Allah’s blessings.
Hadith in Arabic
“
إِذَا شَرِبْتَ فَسَمِّ اللَّهَ”
Hadith in Urdu
“
جب پانی پینا شروع کریں تو بسم اللہ پڑھیں۔”
Reference
(Tirmidhi: 1885)
Important Lesson – Gratitude and Recognition of Allah’s Blessings
Starting with “Bismillah” makes the act more significant, reminding us of the blessing of water and acknowledging Allah’s generosity. It fosters gratitude and mindfulness in our daily actions.
Avoid Breathing into the Vessel
Hadith in English
“
The Prophet (PBUH) advised against breathing into a water vessel, promoting cleanliness.”
Hadith in Arabic
“
لَا تَنْفُخْ فِي الشَّرَابِ”
Hadith in Urdu
“
رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے پانی میں پھونک مارنے سے منع فرمایا۔”
Reference
(Sahih Bukhari: 5630)
Important Lesson – Cleanliness and Respect for the Body
Not exhaling into the vessel preserves its cleanliness, showing respect for ourselves and others who may drink from it. This practice aligns with Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness and respect for blessings.
Drink Water in Three Sips (Or More)
Hadith in English
“
The Prophet (PBUH) recommended drinking water in at least three sips, avoiding haste.”
Hadith in Arabic
“
إِذَا شَرِبْتَ فَاشْرَبْ فِي ثَلاثَةِ أَنْفَاسٍ”
Hadith in Urdu
“
پانی پیتے وقت تین سانسوں میں پیو۔”
Reference
(Tirmidhi: 1885)
Important Lesson – Patience and Balance
Taking water in slow sips instils patience and balance. Just as we drink in small portions, we should approach life with patience, savoring each moment and appreciating each blessing.
Say “Alhamdulillah” After Drinking Water
Hadith in English
“
The Prophet (PBUH) advised saying “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is for Allah) after drinking water.”
Hadith in Arabic
““
إِذَا شَرِبْتَ فَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ”
Hadith in Urdu
“
پانی پینے کے بعد الحمد للہ پڑھیں۔”
Reference
(Tirmidhi: 1885)
Important Lesson – Gratitude and Contentment
Concluding with “Alhamdulillah” reflects contentment and thanks to Allah for this simple yet essential blessing. Practising gratitude nurtures a heart that recognizes Allah’s mercy in every sip.
Embracing the Sunnah in Daily Life
By integrating these hadiths on drinking water into our daily routines, we transform a simple act into one filled with spiritual significance. The Prophet (PBUH) has given us guidance that nurtures both physical well-being and a mindful, grateful spirit. Each sip reminds us of Allah’s blessings, each “Bismillah” and “Alhamdulillah” strengthens our faith, and each action becomes an opportunity to follow the Prophet’s beautiful example.