Can a toothbrush replace the Miswaak if its bristles are from the Miswaak tree?

Nasihah (Advice): Earn Allah’s pleasure by using the Miswaak

Sayyidatuna Aaisha Radhiyallahu Anha reports that Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “(The usage of the) Miswak is a means of purification of the mouth and is pleasing to Allah Ta’ala.” (Sahih Bukhari)

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Question and Answer:

1. Can a toothbrush replace the Miswaak if it’s bristles are from the Miswaak tree?

A.There are two Sunnahs of cleansing the mouth:

1) Cleaning of the mouth

2) Using the actual Miswaak twig/stick.

The Sunnah of cleansing the mouth using a toothbrush, with or without the bristles being extracted from the Miswaak twig/stick will be fulfilled by using a toothbrush. However, the Sunnah of using the actual Miswaak twig/stick will not be achieved and cannot be replaced by using a toothbrush.

The best form of a Miswaak is using the twig/stick sourced from the Arak tree and then the olive tree. In the absence of the twig/stick sourced from the Arak and olive tree, using the finger will suffice in fulfilling the Sunnah of cleansing the mouth. (Majmaul-Anhur 1/13 ; Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah 5/126/127)

N.B. Using the toothbrush is simply permissible.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)