You all must be aware of What Miswak is. It is a sunnah full of immense reward.Today we will read the hadeeth on its importance and intentions you can make while doing Miswak.We will also discuss how to use Miswak effectively and what are the adab, Sunnah and benefits of using Miswak.
What is a Miswak?
The miswak or siwak is a natural tool for brushing the teeth.It is the first toothbrush in history. It is taken from the roots of the Arak tree especially in the Arabian Peninsula and some parts of Asia the tree is known as Peelu. Miswak is a natural antiseptic, multi-purpose stick cleans and whitens the teeth and sweetens the breath, and is widely used throughout the Islamic world. Such sticks are effective, inexpensive, common, available, and contain many medical properties”. It also features prominently in Islamic hygienical jurisprudence.
Research shows that the bark of the “Toothbrush Tree” contains on antibiotic which suppresses the growth of bacteria and the formation of plaque in the mouth. Research also suggests that the regular use of Miswak significantly reduces plaque, gingivitis, and the growth of cariogenic bacteria with No toothpaste required! Miswak, naturally contains many components such as fluoride, astringents, detergents, resins (a possible enamel protectant) and abrasives.
How to use Miswak
Simply scrape off bark from the tip (1/2″), then chew the tip gently until brush like and the fiber becomes soft. Brush teeth horizontally and frequently.
Chew the bristles to separate the natural fibers to form like toothbrush bristles. To clean the teeth, brush with Miswak from the edge of the gums in a up and down movements till the cutting edge of the teeth.When the bristles are worn and the flavor has subsided, cut them off & repeat instruction.
Hadith on Excellence of Using Miswak
- Hadhrat Abu Hurraira narrates that Rasulallah said: ‘Was it not for my fear of imposing a difficulty on my Ummah I would have ordered that the Miswaak be used for every Salah, and delay in Isha prayer ‘.” (Bukhari)
- Hadhrat Ibn Umar narrates that the Messenger of Allah said: ‘Make a
regular practice of the Miswaak, for verily, it is healthy for the mouth and it is a Pleasure for the Creator (i.e. Allah is pleased with the Muslim who uses the Miswaak)’.” (Bukhari) - Hadhrat A’isha narrates that Rasulallah said: The reward of Salah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it. Other narrations mention ninety-nine fold up to four hundred fold reward. The Ulama explain that the difference in reward is in accordance with the Ikhlaas – sincerity of the person. The more the sincerity, the more the reward on will gain and this applies to ANY good act for the pleasure of Allah.
- Hadhrat Ayesha narrates from Rasulallah : “Two Rak’ahs of Salah after using the Miswaak is more beloved unto me than seventy Rak’ahs without Miswaak.” (As Sunanul Kubraa)
- Miswaak is to be held in the right hand According to ‘Abd Allah Ibn Mas’ud the Miswaak should be held in the right hand so that the small finger is below the Miswaak and the thumb is below the tip and the other fingers are on top of the Miswaak. It should not be held in the fist. (Rahdul Mukhtar)
Benefits of Miswak
1.Miswakstrengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
2. Miswak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
3.Miswakcreates a fragrance in the mouth.
4. Miswak is a cure for illness.
5. Miswak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.
6. Miswak sharpens the memory.
7. Miswak is a cure for headaches.
8. Miswak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
9.Miswakcauses the teeth to glow.
10. Miswak strengthens the eyesight.
11. Miswak assists in digestion.
12. Miswak clears the voice.
13. The greatest benefit of using Miswak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.
14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times ifMiswakwas used before it.
Aadaab (Etiquette) of Miswaak
(1) The Miswaak should be a straight twig, devoid of roughness.
(2) The Miswaak should be clean.
(3) The Miswaak should not be too hard nor too soft.
(4) The Miswaak should not be used while one is lying down.
(5) The new Miswaak should be approximately 8 inches (a hand-span) in length.
(6) The Miswaak should be the thickness of the forefinger.
(7) Before using the Miswaak, it should be washed.
(8) After use it should be washed as well.
(9) The Miswaak should not be sucked.
(10) The Miswaak should be placed vertically when not in use. It should not be thrown onto the ground.
(11) If the Miswaak is dry it should be moistened with water prior to use. This is Musthahab. It is preferable to moisten it with Rose water.
(12) The Miswaak should not be used in the toilet.
(13) The Miswaak should be used at least thrice (brush three times) for each section of the mouth, e.g. brush the upper layer of teeth thrice, then the lower layer thrice, etc.
(14) The Miswaak should not be used at both ends.
(15) The Miswaak should not be taken from an unknown tree as it may be poisonous.
Sunnah for using Miswaak:
- For the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
- For the recitation of Hadith.
- When the mouth emits bad odour.
- For teaching or learning the virtues of Islam.
- For making remembrance of Allah (The Exalted).
- Before intercourse.
- After entering one’s home.
- Before entering any good gathering.
- When experiencing pangs of hunger or thirst.
- After the time of Suhoor.
- Before meals.
- Before and after a journey.
- Before sleeping.
Best Miswak
The scholars are agreed that the best thing for cleaning the mouth is the twigs of the araak tree, because of its good smell, and because it has brush-like fibres which are effective for cleaning food particles etc. from between the teeth, and because of the hadeeth of Abd-Allaah ibn Masood (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: I used to gather siwaak sticks from the araak tree for the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).(Reported by Ahmad, 3991
Amiswakshould be one hand span in length when selected. If it becomes dry, it should be soaked in any water to soften the end bristles. The end should be cut afresh to ensure hygiene and should never be stored near a toilet or sink. The brush may be created by cuttingSalvadora persica’s branches
Where can you find Miswak?
The miswak twig can be extracted from many trees except for those that are poisonous or harmful, such as pomegranate tree and the myrtle tree.
But it’s preferred to get miswak from bitter tree branches as Palm trees, olive trees or the roots and branches of desert trees preferably from Arak trees, Arabic for Salvadora persica.
If Miswak These days Miswak Comes vacuum sealed to retain freshness and softness. Here are Few Amazon links to buy Miswak :
- Sewak Al-Falah– Price $9.74 for 10 Miswak sticks
- Miswaak holder Only -Pen shape 4 piece for $2.99
- Miswak Sticks and Holders $14 for 3 miswak and 3 miswak holder
- Siwak Wad Duha Miswak Traditional Herbal Arabian Soft Stick Brush,$11.99 -3 sticks with 1 holder.
