Etiquette of drinking Zamzam water

Etiquette of drinking Zamzam water

Zamzam water, drawn from the sacred Zamzam Well in Mecca, is revered for its spiritual significance and healing properties. Muslims drink it to honor their faith, seek blessings, and follow the Sunnah.

Learning the etiquette of drinking Zamzam water enhances this spiritual experience, deepens connections to Islamic traditions, and respects the sanctity of this blessed water.

This blog explores the essential etiquettes, allowing believers to experience Zamzam water in a meaningful and respectful manner.

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8 etiquettes for drinking Zamzam water respectfully

Observing the etiquettes of drinking Zamzam water enhances your spiritual experience and honors the sacredness of this blessed water:

1. Face to the Kaaba

When drinking Zamzam water, it is recommended to face the Kaaba in Mecca. This act signifies respect for the direction of prayer and enhances the spiritual experience.

2. Say bismillah

Begin by saying "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) before drinking. This practice acknowledges Allah's blessings and invokes His name, setting a spiritual tone for the act.

3. Pause to breathe

Take a moment to pause and breathe three times while drinking. This helps savor the water and allows for reflection, enhancing the spiritual connection to the act.

4. Drinking one's full

It is essential to drink your fill of Zamzam water. This practice signifies appreciation for Allah’s blessings and the nourishment provided by this sacred water.

5. Praise Allah after drinking

After finishing, take a moment to praise Allah. Expressing gratitude reinforces the connection with the divine and acknowledges the blessings of Zamzam water.

6. Sit while drinking

Though there is a hadith indicating that drinking while standing is also acceptable, it is generally recommended to sit while drinking Zamzam water. This practice conveys respect and humility.

7. Sprinkle water on yourself

It is recommended to sprinkle some Zamzam water on your head, face, and chest. This act symbolizes purification and reverence for the sacred water.

8. Make dua

As you drink, make plenty of duas (supplications) for your needs in this world and the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized that Zamzam water serves the purpose for which it is drunk, so use this opportunity to seek blessings and fulfillment of your intentions.

Should Zamzam water be drunk while standing?

The Sunnah of drinking water is to sit down. However, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) drank Zamzam water while standing. Similar narration can be found in Bukhari and Muslim. Ibn Abbas (Ra) states:

عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ شَرِبَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَائِمًا مِنْ زَمْزَمَ
"Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) drank from the Zamzam well while standing." [Bukhari, Sahih, 5294]

عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم شَرِبَ مِنْ زَمْزَمَ مِنْ دَلْوٍ مِنْهَا وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ
"Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) drank from Zamzam using a bucket while standing." [Muslim, Sahih, 5109]

Therefore, many scholars consider drinking Zamzam water while standing to be preferable. However, some believe that the Prophet (SAW) drank Zamzam water while standing out of necessity. It is not obligatory to do so.

Is there any dua while drinking Zamzam water?

Before drinking Zamzam water, the distinguished companion Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Ra) would recite a dua:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا، وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ.
O Allah! I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant sustenance, and healing from every disease. [Ahmad, Al-Musnad, 3/394]

It is narrated from the distinguished companion Jabir Ibn Abdullah (Ra):

عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللهِ قال: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ مَاءُ زَمْزَمَ لِمَا شُرِبَ لَهُ
I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say, ‘The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for. [Ibn Majah, Sunan, 2/3062]

Imam Shawkani (Rah) interpreted this hadith to mean that whatever benefit one seeks from drinking Zamzam water— whether worldly or for the Hereafter—will be granted. [Al-Shawkani, Nayl al-Awtar, 5/105]

For this reason, the scholars of the past also recited various dua while drinking Zamzam water.

The famous Tabi'i Abdullah Ibn Mubarak (Rah) would make the following dua after drinking Zamzam water:

اللهم أني أشربه لعطش يوم القيامة
O Allah! I drink it to quench my thirst on the Day of Judgment. [Al-Khatib, Tarikh Dimashq, 32/436]

Allama Jalaluddin Suyuti (Rah) states that Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (Rah) said, “I drank Zamzam water intending to reach the level of Hafiz Shamsuddin Zahabi (Rah) in memory.” Suyuti said that Ibn Hajar did indeed reach that level, and his memory became even sharper. [Tabakat al-Huffaz: 1/522]

Reciting Bismillah (in the name of Allah) before drinking Zamzam water and praising Allah by saying Al-Hamdulillah (all praise is due to Allah) afterward is Sunnah. Ibn Abbas (Ra) mentioned similar etiquettes.

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Frequently asked questions and answers

Zamzam water holds great spiritual significance for Muslims. It is sourced from the Zamzam Well in Mecca, which is revered for its miraculous properties and is believed to provide blessings and healing.

It is recommended to begin by reciting "Bismillah" (in the name of Allah) before drinking, acknowledging Allah's blessings and guidance.

While the Sunnah encourages drinking while seated, it is also accepted to drink standing. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) drank Zamzam water while standing, indicating both positions are permissible.

Yes, it is recommended to pause and take a breath three times while drinking. This practice shows mindfulness and respect for the sacred water.

After drinking Zamzam water, it is encouraged to express gratitude by saying "Alhamdulillah" (all praise is due to Allah) to acknowledge the blessings received.

Absolutely! Making dua (supplication) while drinking Zamzam water is highly encouraged. You can ask for specific needs, whether they are related to this world or the Hereafter.

It is recommended to drink one's full, ensuring that you drink enough to satisfy your thirst and benefit from the water's blessings.

Yes, many pilgrims take Zamzam water back home to share with family and friends. However, it is important to maintain its cleanliness and treat it with respect.

While Zamzam water is considered blessed and is believed to have healing properties, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. It should be consumed to seek Allah’s blessings.

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