As for its being disliked after the sun has passed its zenith, they cited the previously mentioned textual report and rational argument, both of which indicate that it is disliked.

Some scholars said that it is not disliked for the fasting person at all; rather, it is sunnah for him, just as it is for others (1).

It says in al-Iqnaʿ—which is among the later Hanbali works and generally follows the school’s authoritative position—“This view has stronger evidence” (2). This was also the view preferred by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him (3).

They cited the general evidence indicating that use of the tooth-stick is sunnah, such as the previously mentioned hadith of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her (4). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made no exception, and a general text must be retained in its generality unless there is evidence that specifically qualifies it. No such qualifying evidence exists in this case.

As for the hadith of Ali, it is weak (5) and cannot qualify the general evidence, because a weak report is not proof and therefore cannot establish a ruling. Qualifying a general text is itself a ruling, since it excludes the specified case from the general ruling and establishes a particular ruling for it. Thus, the qualifying evidence must be authentically established; otherwise, it is not accepted.

As for the rationale, it is defective in several respects:

First: regarding those who were killed in the path of Allah, we were commanded to leave their