except toward the end of the day. But since it results from obedience to Allah, it becomes more pleasant to Allah than the fragrance of musk. If it is more pleasant to Allah than the fragrance of musk, then it should not be removed. They cited as evidence that the blood on a martyr is not removed; rather, it must remain upon him, and he is to be buried in his clothes and blood, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded regarding the martyrs of Uhud (1). They said: Thus, whatever results from obedience to Allah should not be removed. For this reason, using the tooth-stick after the sun has passed its zenith was deemed disliked for one who is fasting. Before the sun has passed its zenith, however, they held that it is recommended with a dry tooth-stick and permissible with a moist one. Thus, they classified the fasting person’s use of the tooth-stick in three ways: permissible with a moist tooth-stick before the sun has passed its zenith, recommended with a dry tooth-stick before the sun has passed its zenith, and disliked after the sun has passed its zenith without qualification (2).

They cited the general evidence as proof that it is recommended for one who is fasting before the sun has passed its zenith.

As for its being permissible with a moist tooth-stick, this is because, due to its moisture, there is concern that some of its taste may seep through and reach the throat, thereby impairing the fast. Hence the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to Laqit ibn Sabirah: “Exaggerate in rinsing the nose, unless you are fasting” (3).