What is the Sunnah way of holding the Miswaak, and from where should one start brushing his teeth? Please Advice.

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The scholars mentioned two methods of holding the Miswaak. The first method is mentioned by the Hanafi school: 'It is desirable to hold the Miswaak with the right hand, by putting the little finger and the thumb underneath the Miswaak (at its head) and other fingers on top of it.' [Indian Fataawa of the Hanafi school]

Besides, Al-Bujayrimi from the Shaafi'ee school, said: 'It is desirable to hold it with the right hand by putting the little finger under it, and the three other fingers on top of it, and the thumb under the head of the Miswaak, as reported by Ibn Mas'ood .'

Another method is mentioned by the Maaliki school: 'It should be held with the right hand by putting the thumb under the stick, and the index on top of it, and the three remaining fingers underneath it.'

Anyway, the matter should be taken at ease, and it is sufficient to hold it with the right hand in any manner.

Al-Khaadimi from the Hanafi school, said: 'The method of holding it, is to hold it with the right hand in any manner.'

It is a Sunnah to start with the teeth on the right side of the jaws. Al-Mardaawi from the Hanbali school, said: 'It is desirable to start with the right side of the mouth without any difference of opinion [among the scholars] that I know of.'

Moreover, An-Nawawi said: 'The scholars of our school said: 'It is desirable to start applying the Miswaak on the right side of the mouth, as it is reported in an authentic narration that the Prophet loved to do things starting with the right side, when cleaning himself, combing his hair, and in all his matters; this is also by analogy to ablution.' Furthermore, Al-Qaadhi Husayn from the Shaafi'ee school, said: 'When doing so, one should intend to apply the Sunnah.'

Allaah Knows best.