Give the initial hamzah of anmulah (fingertip) each of the three vowels, and do the same to its third letter: the nine forms are found in isbaʿ (finger), and complete them with usbuʿ.
Recommended at all times …
His statement, “recommended,” is the predicate of his statement, “using the tooth-stick.” According to the scholars, a recommended act is every act of worship that has been enjoined, but not as an obligation.
We say, “not as an obligation,” because if it were enjoined as an obligation, it would be obligatory.
The evidence that using the tooth-stick is a sunnah is the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him, in the authentic hadith: “Were it not that I would cause hardship to my community, I would have commanded them to use the tooth-stick at every prayer” (1).
His statement, peace and blessings be upon him, “Were it not that I would cause hardship to my community, I would have commanded them …” indicates that it is not obligatory, for had it been obligatory, it would have caused them hardship.
It does not indicate that it is not recommended or that it has not been enjoined. Rather, were it not for the hardship, it would have been obligatory because of its importance.
Except for one who is fasting after the sun has passed its zenith, …
His statement, “at all times,” means by night and by day. The evidence is the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him, in the hadith of Aishah: “The tooth-stick purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord” (2). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, stated this without restricting it to one time rather than another.
This contains two tremendous benefits:
- A worldly benefit: it purifies the mouth.
- A benefit for the Hereafter: it pleases the Lord.
All of this is attained through a small deed, thereby earning an immense reward; and many