Miswak

Q: I hear some people say that using a Miswak (tooth-cleansing stick) inside Masjids (Mosques) is impermissible. Is this true?

A: All Praise be to Allah Alone and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family, and Companions. Using Miswak is an act of Sunnah. Although it is a recommended act, it becomes necessary when performing wudu', reciting the Qur'an, and when the smell of a person's mouth changes. It is permissible to use Miswak both inside and outside Masjids, as there are no texts that indicate otherwise. The purport of Hadith lends support to the use of Miswak: Were it not for the fear that it might be hard for my Ummah (nation), I would have ordered them to use Miswak for every Salah. However, a person should not use it excessively till it causes them to vomit while they are inside the Masjid lest the Masjid should become unclean.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.