Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam
When Miswak is Emphasised in Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ strongly encouraged using the miswak:
- Upon waking from sleep.
- When entering the home.
- During wudu (especially at the time of rinsing the mouth).
- When standing for prayer.
Miswak While Waiting for Prayer
- It is permissible to use the miswak while waiting for the prayer.
- There is no harm in doing so before the khutbah begins.
Miswak During the Friday Khutbah
- It is not permissible to use the miswak while the khutbah is being delivered.
- Reason: It distracts from listening to the khutbah attentively, which is obligatory.
Exception – Drowsiness
- If someone feels drowsy during the khutbah, miswak may be used to help overcome it — although there is no specific hadith about using the miswak for this purpose.
- The recommended Sunnah in this case is to change one’s sitting place, as narrated from ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما:
“اذَا نَعِسَ اَحَدُكُمْ يَوْمَ الْجُمْعَةِ فَلْيَتَحَوَّلْ عَنْ مَجْلِسِهِ ذَالِكَ“
(Tirmidhi 526; Musnad Ahmad 2/135)
“If any one of you feels drowsy on the day of Jumuʿah, let him move from his place to another.”
Imam al-Shafiʿi رحمه الله said:
“I like that when a person becomes drowsy in the mosque on Friday, he should change his place, provided there is room and no need to step over people.”
(al-Umm 10/34; al-Mughni 3/235–236)
Wisdom: Changing the sitting place helps remove drowsiness and regain alertness.
✅ Conclusion:
- Before khutbah: Miswak is allowed.
- During khutbah: Miswak is not allowed, unless done briefly to overcome drowsiness.
- Best Sunnah for drowsiness: Change your sitting place.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
