Using Anything other than a Miswaak when Making Wudhu

Q: Taharaat-3: How is it to use toothpaste and a toothbrush during wudhu rather than the Miswaak?

Answer: Using the Miswaak 'when making wudhu is Sunnah Mu'akkadah. The Miswaak is made from bamboo, the pomegranate free. and other trees. It is best made from bitter tree, the best being the aloe tree and then the olive tree.

If a Miswaak cannot be derived from a tree, the finger should be used to clean the teeth and to remove the odour from the mouth. The Sunnah will be achieved by this. Rasulullaah SAW. always used the Miswaak and when he could not get one, he used his fingers. In fact, Rasulullaah SAW. said, "The fingers take the place of the Miswaak when there is no Miswaak.

It is therefore understood that when a Miswaak is nor available. when one has no teeth or when a Miswaak will cause pain because of decayed teeth or painful gums, the fingers. toothpaste or a toothbrush may be used. The Sunnah will however not be fulfilled when using these in the presence of a Miswaak and they will also not earn the same rewards as using the Miswaak.

When the fingers cannot replace the Miswaak even though Rasulullaah SAW. mentioned that they be used. how can a brush replace it? Furthermore, if the brush is made of pig's hair, it will be Haraam to use it. If in doubt, refrain from using it. Nevertheless, the brush will not be a substitute for the Miswaak if there is no good reason to use it.3 And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.2

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