From these ḥadiths, and others of similar purport, the jurists have deduced the following rulings:

1. The siwāk is legislated. It consists of using a stick—or anything comparable—on the teeth and gums to remove any yellowing or unpleasant odor that may cling to them.

2. Using the siwāk is counted among the practices of the messengers; the first to employ it was Abraham (peace be upon him). The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) explained that it “purifies the mouth,” meaning that it rids it of whatever is distasteful, and that it “earns the Lord’s pleasure,” meaning that it pleases Allah, Exalted is He. More than one hundred ḥadiths elaborate on and encourage its use, showing that it is a confirmed sunnah to which the Lawgiver urged his followers. It carries tremendous benefits, the most comprehensive of which are the two mentioned here: it cleanses the mouth and gains the Lord’s good pleasure.

3. The siwāk should be a supple twig from the arak tree, or from olive, palm midrib, or any other material that neither splinters nor harms the mouth.

4. Using the siwāk is recommended at all times—even for someone who is fasting throughout the entire day, according to the soundest opinion. It is especially emphasized on certain occasions, foremost among them when performing wuḍūʾ, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Had I not feared causing hardship for my community, I would have commanded them…"