Benefits of Drinking Water Whilst Sitting:
I was always taught to drink water while sitting. My parents told me that it is a Sunnah and it is not safe to drink water while standing or walking. Our beloved Muhammad SAW, before 1400 years, said:
“If the person who drank whilst standing knew what was in his stomach, he would vomit it out.’
-No. 176/2175 – From Abu Huraira
Now after 1400 years, medical science has declared that drinking water while sitting is more safe and healthy for our body. Following are the disadvantages of drinking water whilst standing or walking:
GIT DAMAGE
When we drink water while standing, it flows directly down the gut and hits the lower end of the stomach wall. This damages the stomach wall and whole GIT. If it is practiced for a long time, our GIT becomes elastic leading to the dysfunction of the digestive tract.
KIDNEY DAMAGE
Medical science says that intake of water while standing decreases its filtration from the kidneys. It may lead to accumulation of unwanted materials in the kidneys, bladder or blood which increases the risk of many diseases associated with kidney and bladder.
ARTHRITIS
Studies show that drinking water whilst standing increases the risk of arthritis. Drinking water while standing disturbs the balance of other body fluids including the fluid in the joint spaces. It leads to the accumulation of excess joint fluid in the joint spaces. Clinically, this condition is characterized by joint pain, known as arthritis.
NERVE TENSION
While standing, the sympathetic system of our body is activated. It is also known as ‘fight and flight system’ of the body. This system constantly works to retain all the muscles and to maintain balance of the body. Where as while sitting, our body is relaxed which leads to the activation of the parasympathetic system, “rest and digest system” of the body. This system calms the nerves and prepares the digestive system for the incoming water or food.
Our Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
” None of you should stand and drink. If anyone did so forgetfully, then he should vomit it”
-Sahih muslim – the book of drinks (Kitab-al-ashriba) (6202)
In conclusion the manner of drinking water is:
Sunnah Way of Drinking Water:
1 •Pray “Bismillah” and drink with your right hand as the devil drinks and eats with the left hand.2 •To sit down and drink.
3 •Drink by taking three separate sips not all at once.
4 •Whilst drinking, suck the drink and do not make a noise.
5 •Do not blow into any drink for cooling.
6 •Say “Alhamdulilah” after drinking.
7 •It is not permissible to throw away any left over drink. Always cover the water that is left in a glass, jug or pot
