Answered by Ustadha Noura Shamma, SunniPath Academy Teacher
I understand that during wudu, it is the Sunnah to bring water into the mouth three times for washing. Should one gargle with this water and then spit it out? Otherwise, how should one best wash the mouth. If gargling is recommended, then will gargling just one of the three times suffice?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,
Jazakum Allah kheir for the question.
Imam Ala’al-Din Abidin states in his Hadiyyah, the following sunnahs connected with washing the mouth.
1. Using the toothstick (siwak) – one can use a toothbrush or even one’s finger if nothing else is available.
2. To rinse your mouth three times
3. To rinse your mouth with three handfuls (so each time you are taking new water).
4. To exaggerate the washing so that the whole mouth up to the opening of the throat is reached, for the non-fasting person.
Note: if one is fasting, they should be cautious with washing their mouth and nose such that no water goes into the throat even accidentally.
May Allah grant you every good.
Wassalamualikum wa rahmatullahi wa baraktuh,
Noura Shamma
Approved by Faraz Rabbani