Is the following established?
Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) said, “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to drink honey and water first thing in the morning. In it is a hidden cure for the preservation of one’s health. None will benefit from it except the intelligent.” (Zadul Ma’ad)
Answer
‘Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) has written the following in his book Zadul Ma’ad:
1) “Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would drink honey with water on an empty stomach…” (Zadul Ma’ad, vol. 4 pg. 32)
2) [Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] would drink honey mixed with cold water…” (Zadul Ma’ad, vol. 4 pg. 205. Also see: At Tibbun Nabawi of ‘Allamah Dhahabi, pg. 171)
I have not come across a Hadith which explicitly states that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would drink honey mixed with water on an empty stomach.
‘Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) is an authority and would have indeed had substantiation for his claim.
It is possibly based on the following Hadiths:
1) Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) states, “[Among] The most beloved drink to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was the sweet and cool drink.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1895)
‘Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) states this Hadith could refer to spring water or well water which is sweet or it could refer to water mixed with honey or dates/raisins.
(Zadul Ma’ad, vol. 4 pg. 208/209)
2) Another Hadith states, “Honey was [among] the most beloved of drinks to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).” (At Tibbun Nabawi of Imam Abu Nu’aym, Hadith: 773)
‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) states that some versions of this Hadith have added ‘[Honey] mixed with water.’ (Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 6510)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar