Can we use toothpaste while fasting?

Fasting is a compulsory virtue that is obligated to all Muslims who are healthy and fit for it in the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims all over the world frequently ask this question, “Can we use toothpaste while fasting?”

Using Miswak while fasting

We all know that Prophet Muhammad S.A.W used Miswak while fasting, which is a tooth stick for cleaning up teeth. Therefore, there is no problem in using Miswak while fasting as Prophet Muhammad S.A.W used it himself. 

However, these days most people use toothpaste and toothbrush for cleaning up the teeth.

So, their question is if it is permissible to use Miswak, is it permissible to use toothpaste while fasting? Recommended: 7 things that can break your fast

Can we use toothpaste while fasting?

Well, as in the past there was no toothbrush and toothpaste, we must have a verdict from the Islamic scholars and Ulmah. Here we are presenting the verdict of 3 very renowned Islamic scholars: Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih Ibn ‘Uthaymeen and Dr. Zakir Naik. 

Shaykh Ibn Baaz 

According to Shaykh Ibn Baaz, using toothpaste while fasting is perfectly okay for cleaning teeth. However, one should be careful that the toothpaste does not have a strong flavor and is not swallowed.

If it is swallowed, the fast is broken and if it is of strong flavor it might move down in the throat resulting in the breaking of fast. His fatwa can be searched in his compilation known as Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz. The fatwa number is 4/247

Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih

It is better to use toothpaste at night than in the morning. One should be on the safe side and clean teeth in non-fasting hours. His verdict can be found in his writing, Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen. The opinion number is 6/407.

Sheikh Asim Al-Hakeem

The same question was asked from Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem that if we can brush our teeth using toothpaste while fasting?

He replied that it is permissible provided that you don’t swallow the toothpaste.

Dr. Zakir Naik

The very renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik is also of the same view. He says that as the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W used Miswak while fasting, hence, toothpaste is permissible.

I don’t think there is anything wrong in following any of the scholar’s teachings but I personally use toothbrush and toothpaste during non-fasting hours to avoid any risk of breaking the fast.