Bleeding while using the siwak does not affect fasting

28-5-2015 | IslamWeb

Question:

I would like to ask about the siwak (twig from the Arak tree used as a toothbrush); is it permissible to use the siwak (i.e. not the toothbrush and toothpaste) during the day in Ramadan or does that break one's fast? It is worth mentioning that some people may slightly bleed because of it.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

It is permissible for a fasting person to brush his teeth during the day in Ramadan with the known siwak or anything that cleans and purifies the mouth and teeth.

That is because Imam Al-Bukhari reported from ‘Aamir ibn Rabee‘ah, who reported from his father that he said:  “I have seen the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, more often than I could count, using a siwak while he was fasting.”  [Ahmad and Abu Daawood]

As for the matter of bleeding while using the siwak, it has no effect on fasting at all.

Allaah Knows best.