Concerning the permissibility of brushing one's teeth
without swallowing water during the Fast, the House of Justice does not wish at
this time to legislate on detailed matters pertaining to the Fast. The general
principles are known, and when the friends encounter specific details that seem
not to be explicitly covered, they should make their own decisions after
prayerful and conscientious consideration of the principles, and then carry out
their decisions with a clear conscience. Keeping the Fast is a spiritual
obligation and it is a matter between each believer and God.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter
written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a believer; quoted in
‘The American Baha’i January-February 2018)
