The scholars, may Allah have mercy on them, said: What is obligatory is to circulate the water around the mouth to the least extent. (1) This applies when the water is little and does not fill the mouth; but if it is plentiful and fills the mouth, then the intended purpose has been achieved.

Must he remove any remnants of food from his mouth and clean between his teeth so that the water may reach between them? The apparent view is that this is not obligatory.

Must he remove artificial teeth if they prevent water from reaching what lies beneath them, or is this not obligatory? The apparent view is that it is not obligatory. This is analogous to a ring: it need not be removed during ablution. Rather, it is preferable to move it, though this is not obligatory, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to wear one, (2) and it has not been reported that he moved it when performing ablution. A ring is more clearly a barrier to water reaching the skin than these artificial teeth, especially since removing such dental fittings is difficult for some people.

Then he inhales water into the nose, .............................................

His statement, “then he inhales water into the nose”: inhaling water into the nose means drawing water in through the nostrils with one’s breath.

Is expelling the water from the nose obligatory? They said: Expelling it is sunnah, (3) and there is no doubt that cleansing the nose is not complete