Knowledge & Devotion · Adab of Daily Life

Islamic Drinking and Hospitality Etiquette

Learn about proper conduct at feasts and correct drinking practices in Islam.

5 questions · Hard · about 3 minutes

Test yourself properly, with scoring and instant feedback.

5 questions, about 3 minutes.

Take the quiz
Show questions and answers Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 5 questions.

1. If a wedding feast is limited to invited guests, what should someone who was not invited do?

  • Attend only if invited or given permission by the host. (correct answer)
  • Attend without permission as long as they do not eat.
  • Wait near the food until it is served.
  • Enter quietly so the host is not embarrassed.

Why

If a wedding feast is only for those whom the host invited, it is not permissible for an uninvited person to attend unless the host gives permission. Entering without permission is regarded as imposing on others and is not befitting for a believer. The source also notes an exception: if the person knows the host would be pleased to see them because of close friendship, kinship, or the host’s known generosity, then that is not considered imposing.

View source on IslamQA →

2. What is the ruling on attending a feast where the custom is that everyone is welcome?

  • It is acceptable, because it is like an open invitation. (correct answer)
  • It is always considered imposing on the host.
  • It is only allowed if the person brings a gift.
  • It is forbidden unless the person’s name is written down.

Why

If the host’s custom is to allow everyone to attend and the food is not prepared only for specific invited guests, then there is nothing wrong with an uninvited person attending and eating. This is treated like implicit permission. The ruling is different from a limited invitation, where entering without permission is regarded as imposing on the host.

View source on IslamQA →

3. According to Islamic drinking etiquette, how should a person generally drink?

  • With the right hand, saying Bismillah, and drinking in three sips or more. (correct answer)
  • In one fast gulp every time.
  • Directly from the pitcher.
  • From vessels of gold or silver.

Why

Islamic etiquette for drinking includes drinking with the right hand, saying Bismillah before drinking, drinking in three sips or more rather than swallowing the entire drink at once, praising Allah afterwards, and drinking while seated. The one serving others should drink last, and drinks should be poured into a cup rather than drunk directly from a pitcher. A person should also avoid drinking from vessels of gold or silver.

View source on IslamQA →

4. What should someone do if they see specks in their drink?

  • Pour them out. (correct answer)
  • Breathe into the drink to move them away.
  • Drink them anyway.
  • Ask someone else to drink it first.

Why

The Prophet ﷺ forbade breathing into one’s drink. If someone needs to take a breath while drinking, they should remove the cup from the mouth and breathe outside the vessel. When a man asked what to do if he saw specks in the drink, the Prophet ﷺ told him to pour them out. The source also explains that drinking in one breath is permissible, but drinking in three breaths is preferable and more in line with the Sunnah.

View source on IslamQA →

5. What is the ruling on drinking while standing?

  • It is permissible, but drinking while sitting is better. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden except in emergencies.
  • It is obligatory.
  • It is equally preferred to sitting.

Why

It is permissible to drink while sitting or standing, but drinking while sitting is better and was what the Prophet ﷺ did most often. The source mentions wisdoms behind sitting, including that drinking while standing may have negative effects or may not settle properly. Still, occasional standing drink is not haram, because the matter is broad and both are allowed.

View source on IslamQA →

A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

More in Adab of Daily Life

Browse all 281 quizzes or explore guidance topics.