Is it preferable for one to brush his teeth with his left hand?

Scholars differed on the ruling of using a miswak with the right or left hand, holding several opinions: Some went so far as to say that using the miswak with the left hand is better because it falls under the category of removing impurities. They cited what was narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: "The Messenger of Allah's (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) right hand was for his purification and food, and his left hand was for his private needs and whatever was of an impurity." This is the well-known view among the Hanbalis and the choice of Ibn Taymiyyah.

Some scholars, however, held that using the miswak with the right hand is better because it is an act of worship and a means of drawing closer to Allah.

Some Malikis adopted a detailed approach: if the miswak is used to remove impurities from the mouth, it should be with the left hand, but if it is for the purpose of fulfilling the Sunnah, it should be with the right hand.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: "The matter in this regard is broad due to the lack of a clear, established text."