people may go two or three months without using the tooth-stick, whether out of ignorance or negligence.

His statement, “except for one who is fasting after the sun has passed its zenith,” means that it is not recommended. This applies equally to obligatory and voluntary fasting.

His statement, “after the sun has passed its zenith,” means after the sun’s zenith. It passes its zenith when it inclines toward the west, for it first rises from the east; when it reaches the middle of the sky and then moves away from it, it has passed its zenith.

The scholars, may Allah have mercy on them, said: The sign that the sun has passed its zenith is to set up a vertical object—that is, something elevated—and observe it. As long as its shadow continues to decrease, the sun has not passed its zenith. Once the shadow begins to increase, even by the slightest amount, it has passed its zenith (1).

The well-known position of the madhhab is that using the tooth-stick after the sun has passed its zenith is disliked for one who is fasting. The evidence is:

1. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “When you fast, use the tooth-stick in the morning, but do not use the tooth-stick in the afternoon” (2). The afternoon begins after the sun has passed its zenith.

2. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The smell of the fasting person’s mouth is more pleasant to Allah on the Day of Resurrection than the fragrance of musk” (3). Khulūf—with a dammah on the kha—is the unpleasant odor that occurs in the mouth when the stomach is empty of food, and it does not become apparent