Metro53 - Karachi (Web Desk):During the holy month of Ramadan, a common question arises regarding oral hygiene while fasting—whether the use of miswak, toothpaste, or tooth powder is permissible. Islamic jurists have provided clear guidance on this matter, enabling fasting individuals to make informed decisions.
Authentic Hadith confirm that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used miswak even while fasting. Hazrat Aamir bin Rabi‘ah (RA) narrates that he witnessed the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) using miswak several times during fasting (Sunan Tirmidhi: 725). Based on this, Hanafi jurists have declared the use of miswak during fasting as permissible, whether it is dry or wet. Even if the miswak is moistened with water, its use is allowed before or after midday.
However, scholars clarify that if any fiber or particle from the miswak breaks off and is swallowed, the fast will be invalidated. Therefore, caution is essential to ensure that nothing enters the throat. Similarly, if chewing the miswak produces a strong taste or there is a risk of fibers breaking off, it is better to avoid it.
As for toothpaste, tooth powder, or manjan, these differ from miswak. They contain strong flavors and foam, and there is a higher likelihood of particles entering the throat. Although some scholars allow their use with extreme caution, generally it is advised to avoid them during fasting, as even unintentional swallowing of particles can break the fast.
In summary, using miswak while fasting is a Sunnah and permissible with proper care, whereas toothpaste and tooth powder should be avoided as much as possible to eliminate any risk of invalidating the fast.
