Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
What is the correct way of drinking Zam Zam water?
Answer:
In the Name of Allāh, Most Kind, Most Compassionate
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
In reference to drinking Zam Zam water, the following etiquettes are found in source texts:
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Recite Bism Allāh (In the name of God) before drinking. (Ibn Mājah)
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Recite supplications. (Al-Dār Quṭnī)
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Face the qiblah if possible. (Ibn ʿAsākir, Ibn Mājah)
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Drink three sips [or odd number of sips]. (Abū Dāwūd)
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Drink excessive amounts. (Ibn Mājah)
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Recite Alḥamdulillāh (All praise is for God) after drinking. (Ibn Mājah)
Standing and Sitting
The usual habit of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) was to sit and drink. He also instructed to sit and drink water. Therefore, the preferred way to drink Zam Zam is while seated. (See: Zād Al-Maʾād, Fatḥ Al-Bārī)
There are reports indicating the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) drank Zam Zam while standing. Most jurists state, the standing was due to necessity since the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) could not sit due to the crowds and flocks of believers surrounding him at pilgrimage. However, it would be mubāḥ (allowed) to stand and drink Zam Zam due to the existing narrations. (See: Fatḥ Al-Bārī)
“When you drink from Zam Zam, turn to face the qiblah and mention the name of Allāh, drink three draughts and drink your fill of it. When you have finished, then praise Allāh.’ The Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessing upon him) said, ‘The sign [that differentiates] between us and the hypocrites is that they do not drink their fill from Zam Zam.” (Ibn Mājah)
“The best water on the face of the earth is Zam Zam, it serves as nourishment and cure.” (Ṭabrānī)
“Zam Zam will benefit for the purpose of what is intended, while drinking it.” (Musnad Aḥmad, Ibn Mājah)
“When Ibn ʿAbbās (may Allāh be pleased with him) would drink Zam Zam, he would supplicate as follows, ‘Oh Allāh, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, abundant sustenance and cure from every sickness.” (Al-Dār Quṭnī)
And Allāh Knows Best