What are the harms of drinking water standing up? Know the sunnah hadith rulings, scientific reasons, and benefits of sitting down to drink water.
The habit of drinking water while standing has been a subject of discussion for centuries in both religious and cultural traditions. The question of Why is water not drunk standing up arouses great curiosity due to both its potential health effects and its place in belief systems. There are important recommendations regarding the etiquette of drinking water in our religion, and these recommendations overlap with some findings of modern science. Drinking water while sitting is considered not just a rule of etiquette, but also a method that allows the body to use water most efficiently. This article examines the issue both in terms of its medical harms and in the context of sunnah hadith, using the most up-to-date and certain information. Understanding the wisdom behind the etiquette of drinking water while sitting is more than just changing a habit; it is an investment in overall health.
Scientific Harms of Drinking Water Standing Up and Its Effects on the Body
While studies on the definitely established harms of drinking water while standing are still debated, some physiological mechanisms suggest that this habit is not ideal for the digestive system. Water consumed while standing reaches the stomach quickly and sharply, also due to the effect of gravity. This situation can disrupt the acid balance in the stomach, slow down digestion, and cause a shock effect on the stomach walls, leading to long-term problems like sensitivity and gastritis. Furthermore, some experts state that the position of the stomach and the duodenum changes in a standing position, and water tends to pass directly to the intestines without mixing properly with stomach acids.
The potential harms of this situation are as follows:
1. Digestive disorders due to insufficient mixing of water with stomach acid.
2. Increased risk of gastritis or ulcer over time due to sudden pressure on the stomach.
3. Excessive stimulation of the nervous system as the body perceives itself under stress.
4. Increased load on the joints and disruption of the balance of joint fluid.
5. Inability of the kidneys to perform the filtering (filtration) process at full efficiency due to the rapid passage of water.
The Ruling on Drinking Water While Standing Up in Terms of Sunnah Hadith
In our religion, eating and drinking while sitting is a fundamental etiquette recommended by sunnah hadith. It is stated in some hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he prohibited drinking water while standing. For example, a narration found in sunnah hadith sources states, "None of you should drink while standing. If anyone forgets and drinks while standing, he should vomit it out!" (Muslim, Ashribah, 116). However, the same sources also contain narrations that the Prophet drank Zamzam water or water in exceptional circumstances, such as lack of space, while standing. This apparent contradiction is generally interpreted by Islamic scholars as follows: Drinking while sitting is "makrooh tanzeehi" (disapproved/inappropriate) or a recommendation indicating superiority. Thus, drinking water while standing is not a sin, but drinking while sitting is preferred because it is more virtuous and adheres to the Prophet's sunnah hadith practice. Considering both scopes, the etiquette of drinking water is a condition that has both religious recommendation and potential physiological benefits. It should be made a habit. /
Why Is a Qudsi Hadith Not Considered a Quranic Verse?
Although Qudsi hadiths have a divine origin, they are not considered Quranic verses. It’s important to understand their fundamental differences in wording and worship context.
Hadiths were written later because oral transmission was trusted, Quran preservation was prioritized, and growing variations made written recording necessary.
The reasons for rejecting hadiths are generally summarized as issues of reliability, historical context, sectarian differences, and the influence of modern thought.
