Ramadan 2026: Can miswak be used while fasting?

2026-02-19 - 07:23

Islamic scholars have clarified that using miswak while observing a fast is permissible, citing authentic traditions and classical juristic opinions while advising caution regarding the use of toothpaste and tooth powder. Hazrat Aamir bin Rabiah (RA) narrated that he witnessed Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) using miswak numerous times while fasting (Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 725). Based on this narration, jurists have allowed the practice during fasting hours. According to Hanafi scholars, the use of miswak is not disliked (makrooh) for a fasting person, whether the miswak is dry or fresh. Allama Zainuddin Ibn Nujaym Hanafi writes in Al-Bahr al-Ra’iq (Vol. 2, p. 302) that a fasting person may use miswak before or after midday (zawal), even if it has been moistened with water. Similarly, Allama Nizamuddin notes in Fatawa Alamgiri (Vol. 1, p. 199) that there is no objection to using a fresh green miswak during fasting. However, scholars emphasize that if any moisture, splinter, or fiber from the miswak enters the throat and is swallowed, the fast will be invalidated. Imam Yahya bin Sharaf al-Nawawi states in Al-Majmu’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab that swallowing fibers from a moist miswak nullifies the fast by consensus. Imam Ahmed Raza Qadri, in Fatawa Razawiyyah, states that using miswak is a Sunnah and may be practiced at any time, including in the afternoon. He advises avoiding excessive chewing that may release splinters or create a strong taste. He further recommends cleaning between the teeth (khilal) before the fast begins to minimize the need during fasting hours. The use of tooth powder (manjan) while fasting, however, is discouraged. Scholars distinguish miswak from toothpaste and tooth powder, noting that the latter contain strong flavors and substances that may easily enter the throat. As a precaution, their use during fasting is discouraged due to the risk of particles being swallowed unintentionally, which would invalidate the fast. The religious scholars agree that miswak may be used while fasting, provided care is taken to avoid swallowing any particles, while toothpaste and tooth powder should be avoided as a precautionary measure.