If the command to use the miswak had been obligatory, the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) would have commanded the ummah to do so, whether it was difficult for them or not. Whereas the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) has said: "Had I not considered it a hardship for my ummah, I would have commanded them to use it for every prayer." This statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicates that his command to use the miswak is for virtue. And the command is for the one who finds it easy, not for the one who finds it difficult.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "If I did not fear that I would put my Ummah into hardship, I would have commanded them to perform the ‘Isha prayer late and to use the miswak at the time of every prayer." Makhzumi did not mention the emphasis on delaying the ‘Isha prayer.