When one examines the various teachings of deen which relate to drinking, one will realize that this department alone is sufficient to reveal the beauty and perfection of Islam.

Islam has shown man the way to fulfil his basic need of drinking in the best manner and taught him how to thank Allah Ta‘ala for His countless bounties and favours.

Through correctly fulfilling the complete sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in one’s life (e.g. the sunnats of eating, drinking, dressing, interacting with people, etc.), one will be blessed with a pure life and will be granted respect and dignity.

Sunnats and Aadaab of Drinking

1. Before drinking, take the name of Allah Ta‘ala by reciting: ^[1]

بِسْمِ اللهِ

In the name of Allah.

2. Drink with the right hand. ^[2]

Hazrat Ibnu Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “When any one of you eats then he should eat with his right hand, and when he drinks then he should drink with his right hand, for indeed Shaitaan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand.” ^[3]

3. It is better for one not to drink from a bottle or utensil which is such that the contents one is consuming are not visible. The reason is that it is possible that there could be something harmful inside the bottle or utensil (e.g. an insect). Instead, one should pour out the contents into a glass and thereafter drink. ^[4]

^[1] المعجم الأوسط للطبراني، الرقم: 6452، وقال العلامة الهيثمي رحمه الله في مجمع الزوائد، الرقم: 8260: فيه شبل بن العلاء وهو ضعيف

وسنن الطعام البسملة في أوله والحمدلة في آخره (الفتاوى الهندية 5/337)

أحسن الفتاوى 9/65

^[2] المواظبة لا تفيد السنية إلا إذا كانت على سبيل العبادة وأما إذا كانت على سبيل العادة فتفيد الاستحباب والندب لا السنية كلبس الثوب والأكل باليمين (البحر الرائق 1/29)

^[3] صحيح مسلم، الرقم: 2020

^[4] صحيح البخاري، الرقم: 5629