Likewise, removing offensive matter from the mouth is unquestionably an intended purpose of using the siwāk, even though its use is prescribed in the absence of such matter to ensure that the intended purpose is achieved. This does not prevent it from being done with the left hand, just as the third stone used in cleansing oneself after relieving oneself is applied with the left hand, as is the seventh washing of a vessel licked by a dog. The same applies to similar acts whose original purpose is to remove offensive matter, even if it is said that they are prescribed in its absence to fulfil their purpose completely, replace doubt with certainty, and treat exceptional cases according to the prevailing rule.

Moreover, the underlying wisdom may be difficult to discern, so the ruling is tied to its presumed indication. Someone may suppose that the offensive matter has disappeared entirely without being certain, and certainty in this regard may be difficult to attain. The presumed indication is therefore made a substitute for the underlying wisdom. Thus, using the siwāk is prescribed when rising to pray, regardless of whether any change has occurred, because worship consists in the occurrence of change. If this explanation is advanced, it is of the kind found in scholarly opinions.

None of this removes this type of act from the category of removing offensive matter, even if it is an act of worship intended in its own right, for which an intention is prescribed. Accordingly, it should be performed with the left hand, like expelling water from the nose, cleansing oneself with stones after relieving oneself, and directly rubbing or otherwise cleaning the area licked by a dog. Pouring water, by contrast, belongs to the category of honorable acts. Hence, a person performing ablution draws water into the nose with the right hand and expels it with the left; a person cleansing himself after relieving himself pours water with the right hand and rubs with the left.

Likewise, a person taking a ritual bath or performing ablution with water puts his right hand into the vessel and pours water with it onto his left, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, did, even though