What is the ruling on using a miswak during wudu? And is it better to use it after wudu or before it?
Scholars have agreed upon the desirability of using the siwak (tooth-stick) during ablution (wudu'), but they differed regarding its timing. Some said it should be before the tasmiyah (uttering "Bismillah"), while others said it should be during rinsing the mouth (madmadah). Some held that the siwak should be concurrent with the rinsing, as that is the place for purifying the mouth, while others were of the opinion that it should be before the tasmiyah. The matter is flexible due to the absence of explicit textual evidence specifying its exact timing.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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