[Q 434] Sunnah Manner of Drinking

QUESTION:

What is the ruling on standing and drinking water/any drink?

ANSWER:

Sitting and drinking water is Sunnah (Prophetic practice), while drinking while standing is khilaaf-e-Sunnah (against the Sunnah). In a blessed Hadith, it is even stated that whoever drinks while standing should vomit it out. However, keep in mind that this ruling is istihbaabi (recommended), not wajoobi (obligatory). Therefore, if someone drinks while standing, they will not be sinful, nor is it wajib (obligatory) for them to vomit. However, if someone does vomit in such a situation, then doing so is mustahab (recommended).

In Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله تعالى عنه, that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said:

“لَا يَشْرَبَنَّ أَحَدٌ مِنْكُمْ قَائِمًا، فَمَنْ نَسِيَ فَلْيَسْتَقِئْ”

“None of you should drink while standing; and whoever forgetfully did, let him vomit.”

(Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh ma‘a Mirqaat al-Mafaateeh, Volume 8, Page 164, Hadith 4267, Published: Quetta)

‘Allamah Badr-ud-Deen ‘Ayni رحمۃ اللہ علیہ states:

“إن النهي عن ذلك لم يكن على وجه التحريم كالنهي أن يشرب من فم السقاء ولهذا لم يكن من فعل ذلك عاصيا”
(Nukhbat al-Afkaar, Volume 13, Page 425, Beirut)

‘Allamah Ali bin Sultan Qari رحمۃ اللہ علیہ writes:

“أما قوله: فمن نسي فليستق، فمحمول على الاستحباب فيستحب لمن شرب قائما أن يتقيأ لهذا الحديث الصحيح الصريح”
(Mirqaat al-Mafaateeh, Volume 8, Page 163, Published: Quetta)

Answered by: Usman Madani ( Ask mufti scholar )
Translated answer
Date: 1st July 2025