QUESTION:
What do the scholars of the Dīn and muftīs of the Sacred Law state regarding the following issue: Prior to performing Fard Ghusl, is it essential for me to clean between my teeth using a blade of grass or anything else?
Questioner: Yusuf from India
ANSWER:
بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم
الجواب بعون الملک الوھاب اللھم ھدایۃ الحق والصواب
If there is a hard thing present in between one’s teeth which will prevent water flow in between the teeth, then it is imperative that it be removed at the time of Fard Ghusl, so that water can reach in between the teeth. Otherwise, if this is not done then Ghusl will not be fulfilled, on the condition that the removal of that thing does not result in any harm or difficulty.
As my Master, the Imām of the Ahle Sunnah, Imām Ahmad Razā Khān (may Allāh envelop him in His Mercy) has stated,
“If there is a hard thing present in between teeth which prevents the flow of water between the teeth to the root (of the teeth) or gaps, etc. becoming an obstacle, then it is imperative for one to remove that thing and rinse one’s mouth, otherwise Ghusl will not be fulfilled. Yes, if removing it causes any harm, difficulty or pain similar to one who consumes Paan (betel leaves with Areca nut) in a large quantity and the particles become joined, trapped and solidified in the roots (of the teeth), in that when it is of such an amount that it cannot move from its place and no longer remains possible to separate it. Or if the strands of tooth-colouring powder get stuck in between a woman’s teeth and if they are taken out, there is fear of harm to the teeth or gums, then until this remains to be the case, this amount will be forgiven, because it is proven from Nass (texts) that wherever there is a difficulty, it is to be removed.”
[Fatāwā Ridawiyyah, vol 1-2, pg 593]
واللہ تعالی اعلم ورسولہ اعلم صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم
کتبہ ابو الحسن محمد قاسم ضیاء قادری
Answered by Mufti Qasim Zia al-Qadri
Translated by Bilal Shabir
Read the original Urdu answer here: [Q-ID0604] Do we have to floss out food stuck between our teeth before doing Ghusl?
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