The first thing to do is to stay hydrated regularly. You should drink a glass every two hours, which comes to at least 1.5 liters a day. Also, in the Sunnah we find a hadith reported by Ibn Omar: "The intense heat is but a breath of Hellfire." From this hadith it was understood that a heat wave can be the result of our sins, and to help a person reduce the heat within and around them, one should do a great deal of "istighfar," asking for forgiveness.
The hadith also tells us "cool it down with water," so water should be used in every possible way. To do this, you can take lukewarm showers, not cold ones. Indeed, the water mentioned in the hadith refers to well water, which is generally lukewarm and not ice-cold. It is also recommended to wet the nape of the neck, the forehead and the forearms, as is done during ablution, and in case of heatstroke, ice cubes can be used.
Herbal teas are also beneficial in cases of intense heat, such as tea, which was widely used in the desert, or thyme tea or fennel seed tea, especially for children.
You should remember to massage your legs with cooling gels to fight fatigue and skin dryness.
To fight headaches, it is good to drink fruit juices, and melon and watermelon are the ideal fruits in case of a heat wave; they can be eaten as juice or as is.
Also, to stay hydrated, vegetables rich in water will be our allies. Zucchini, lettuce and cucumber are very effective, as they are packed with water.
As the Prophet ﷺ taught us, you should wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. The head should also be covered with a damp cloth to be protected from sunstroke. However, if the person complains of headaches, acetaminophen or aspirin should not be taken, since the ailment comes from the heat, and water is therefore the remedy.
What the science says: hydration and heat
Here is what published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Hydration and heat
Drinking enough water supports the kidneys and digestive transit (Am J Clin Nutr, 2022) and prevents urinary stones (Minerva Urol Nephrol, 2025); in very hot weather, water, water-rich fruits (watermelon, cucumber — favorites of the professor), shade, and rest during the hottest hours help prevent heatstroke. The Sunnah recommends drinking while seated, in three sips, without excessive ice. Precaution: infants, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses become dehydrated quickly; confusion, lack of urination, or a high temperature during a heat wave are warning signs.
