Is it recommended for a fasting person to use the Siwak after the time of Dhuhr (midday)?

Chapter on Siwak and the Sunnah of Wudu

Al-Mughni

Book of Purification

Book 2 · Issue 5 · Bab 4

Open in Qurani

Primary text

There is no disagreement that using the Siwak is not recommended for a fasting person after Dhuhr. There are two differing views on whether it becomes disliked (makruh). One view, held by Shafi'i, Ishaq, and Abu Thawr, is that it is disliked, based on Umar's report that one may use the Siwak until the time before Dhuhr, but not afterward. This is reasoned because the bad odor of the fasting person's mouth is considered sweeter to Allah than musk, and removing something beloved is disliked. The second view is that it is not disliked, a position favored by Nukh'i, Ibn Sirin, Malik, and the companions of the school of thought (Ahl al-Ra'y). This is supported by the general narrations regarding the Siwak and the Hadith stating, 'Among the best qualities of a fasting person is the Siwak.'