Reviving Abandoned Sunnan – Drinking with the Prophet ﷺ

In this week’s episode of Reviving Abandoned Sunnan, Dr. Imam Sherif reminds us of a simple yet profound Sunnah: the etiquette of drinking. What seems like an ordinary daily act was transformed by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ into a moment of mindfulness, balance, and worship.

Hadith on Drinking in Pauses

Arabic:

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَتَنَفَّسُ فِي الشَّرَابِ ثَلَاثًا
وَيَقُولُ: «هُوَ أَهْنَأُ وَأَمْرَأُ وَأَبْرَأُ»

English:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would pause three times while drinking and would say:
“It is more enjoyable, more digestible, and more beneficial.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

He ﷺ would remove the vessel from his mouth between sips and not breathe into it, demonstrating cleanliness and proper etiquette.

Sitting and Standing

Arabic:

رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَشْرَبُ قَائِمًا، وَيَشْرَبُ قَاعِدًا

English:
I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ drink while standing, and I saw him drink while sitting.
(al-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyyah – Imām al-Tirmidhī)

• Sitting is preferred, reflecting calmness and humility.

• Standing is permissible, especially in necessity, such as drinking Zamzam or in a crowd.

🌿 Wisdoms & Virtues

• Transforms a routine habit into worship

• Encourages mindfulness, moderation, and gratitude

• Promotes better digestion, health, and well-being

• Demonstrates the Prophet ﷺ’s gentleness, balance, and concern for daily life

Reviving even small Sunnan like this allows us to connect with the Messenger ﷺ in practical, meaningful ways.

Take Action

Incorporate this Sunnah in your daily life: pause while drinking, sit when possible, and be mindful of your blessings.

For more lessons, hadith, and guidance on reviving forgotten Sunnah, browse our website suhbahtayyibah.com and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates!