Question:

Is it permissible to use toothpaste in Ramadan since I need to go to work and usually brush my teeth after fajer?

Answer:

The prophet (sallah allahu aleih wasalam) used to use the miswak in Ramadan, proven by many authentic hadith.

If you were to examine the pure miswaks that are freshly cut you will find they have a very unique hot taste. Unlike today where we get miswaks month or even years after they were cut. Yet, the prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) used them during his fast.

Based on that using Qiyaas, we know that toothpaste is like miswak in that both are used to clean the teeth as well as freshen one's breath. Both also have a taste that might remain slightly in the mouth and be swallowed. Since they are similar in Qiyaas then the ruling is the same in their permissibility.

And, Allah knows best.

Sheikh Ahmad Musa Jibril