Sunnah way of Drinking

1. It is somewhat disliked to drink in one gulp, and it is also disliked to blow into one’s drink. [Barkawi, al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya, 4.107]

Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

"Do not drink in one [gulp] like a camel. Rather, drink in two or three [sips]. Pronounce the name of Allah when you drink, and thank Allah when you are finished." [Tirmidhi]

Abu Qatada al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) related that the Beloved of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

"If you drink, do not blow into your cup." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Both these prohibitions relate to proper manners, and thus indicate that these matters are improper and somewhat disliked (makruh tanzihan), though not sinful.

2. Among the Prophetic sunnas related to drinking are:

a) Beginning in the name of Allah, by saying Bismillah or Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem. Some extended this to every sip;

b) Drinking with one’s right hand, because it is disliked to drink with one’s left hand unless there is a genuine excuse;

c) Drinking between three breaths;

d) Not breathing into one’s drink;

e) Not drinking while standing;

f) Drinking in sips rather than gulps, for the latter is disliked;

g) Not drinking excessively. The sunna is to eat and drink in moderation, such that it does not lead to harm or laziness that prevents one from worship.

h) Praising Allah after drinking, by saying Alhamdulillah (‘All praise is to Allah’), or any of the sunna invocations after drinking, such as Alhamdu liLlahi lLadhi at`amana wa saqana wa ja`alana muslimeen]