Summary
This Nigeria Daily episode examines the common misconception among Muslims that brushing teeth during Ramadan fasting is prohibited. The show features several Muslim voices sharing different perspectives, from those who brush freely while being careful not to swallow toothpaste, to those who strictly avoid it during fasting hours. Some interviewees mention preferring chewing sticks (miswak) over toothpaste during fasting since there's no risk of swallowing flavored substances. Ustadh Luqman Jamil Ahmad, the Amir of Abuja Muslim Forum, provides the authoritative perspective, explaining that brushing teeth during Ramadan is not only allowed but recommended as a sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. He recommends using a plain brush or chewing stick without paste if possible, but clarifies that even using toothpaste is permissible as long as none is swallowed. He distinguishes between mouth odor from food residue (which brushing helps) and the deeper stomach-originating odor of fasting (which scholars say is beloved to Allah).
Key Points
- Brushing teeth during Ramadan fasting is permissible and even recommended as a sunnah
- The Prophet Muhammad used a chewing stick (siwak/miswak) regularly, including during fasting
- Some Muslims prefer using a miswak or plain brush without toothpaste during fasting hours to avoid swallowing flavored substances
- Ustadh Luqman Ahmad explains that if using toothpaste, one must ensure nothing is swallowed
- The hadith states the Prophet would have commanded siwak use before every prayer if it weren't a hardship
- Scholars distinguish between mouth odor (removable by brushing) and the stomach-originated odor of fasting (which is beloved to Allah)
- Islam emphasizes cleanliness and decent appearance, especially before prayer and mosque visits
Key Moments
Chewing sticks preferred over toothpaste during Ramadan fasting
A Muslim interviewee explains that during fasting, she prefers using a chewing stick (miswak) instead of a toothbrush with toothpaste to avoid accidentally breaking her fast by swallowing flavored substances.
"instead just gargle my mouth with water rather than using a toothbrush or pedestal i can actually just use chewing stick i think that's better"
Islamic scholar confirms brushing during Ramadan is recommended sunnah
Ustadh Luqman Jamil Ahmad, Amir of Abuja Muslim Forum, explains that brushing teeth during Ramadan is not only allowed but is a recommended sunnah, since the Prophet Muhammad himself used the chewing stick regularly including during fasting days.
"to brush the teeth during the day of Ramadan because since the Prophet did it, it is a sunnah. And whatever does any sunnah done by Prophet Muhammad is doing what the Prophet himself commanded us to do. That we should give life to a sunnah. We should spread a sunnah. We should make a sunnah popular. So even if you just say, let me brush my teeth today,"
Scholars distinguish mouth odor from stomach odor during fasting
The scholar explains that the odor from a fasting person's mouth that is beloved to Allah comes from the stomach, not from poor oral hygiene. Brushing with miswak addresses mouth odor while the deeper stomach-originated scent of fasting remains regardless of brushing.
"Scholars maintain that that collude is something that comes from within the stomach. You know when you don't eat for a long time, you don't drink, your stomach sometimes has a tendency of accumulating some odor that can ooze out of your mouth."
