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Does a modern toothbrush suffice for a miswak?

Answered as per Shafi'i Fiqh by Shafiifiqh.com

Question:

Can a toothbrush suffice for doing miswak?

Country: United States

Answer:

Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuHu,

Anything that eliminates unpleasant odor from the mouth, and removes plaque and tarter from the teeth, will suffice. (Sharh al-Muhadhdhab v. 1, p. 281-82) Therefore, a modern toothbrush does suffice.

Regarding what is the most virtuous to use, the miswak which comes from the arak tree has a special status because the Prophet Muhammad used it. One will be rewarded for using it, as it is following the sunnah. (Asna al-Matalib v . 1, p. 37)

Also see: http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx.

And Allah knows best.

Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.

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