Hyderabad: Muslim scholars have advised their brethren to use twigs instead of toothpaste as the flavours in them might break the Roza. Ulema said “Using miswak or siwak stick is Sunnat. It is really good for health too.”
Miswak is basically a twig, mostly of neem or olive or any tree that has fibrous veins so that it does not harm or damage the gums.
Jamia Nizamia chancellor Syed Akbar Nizamuddin said using toothpaste is “makrooh” during fasting as it has sweetness, mint and other flavours and ingredients. Also, there is a possibility of the paste going down one’s throat, which, if it happens, results in invalidation of the Roza. Hence, it is advisable not to use toothpaste.
On whether men can go for a haircut while fasting, scholars said that cleanliness is of paramount importance in Islam and having a haircut is allowed during fasting. Women can apply henna (mehendi) while fasting as it does not affect Roza. External use of balm is also allowed during fasting.