MISWAAK

HISTORY OF THE MISWAAK

The Miswaak, a tree-twig, was in use for brushing and cleansing the teeth long before the advent of our Holy Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). In fact the records of our Nabi Muhummad’s (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) Ahadith indicate that the Miswaak was the “Sunnah” or practice of all the Ambiyaa (Prophets of Allah)—Peace be upon them.

“Abu Ayyub (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: ‘Four things are amongst the practices of the Ambiyaa —circumcision, application of perfume, Miswaak and marriage’.” (AHMAD AND TIRMIZI)

Several other Ahadith of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) also mention the Miswaak to have been the practice of the Prophets (Upon Whom Be Peace). Thus, we can safely claim that the practice of using the Miswaak is as old as mankind itself since Mankind’s origin on the planet was with the appearance of the first Nabi of Allah, viz. Adam (A.S.). Therefore, among the many advantages and benefits of using the Miswaak, one of the greatest benefits is the good-fortune of being associated with the Ambiyaa in this holy practice. On the other hand, those who neglect the use of the Miswaak invite upon themselves a great misfortune by being deprived of the tremendous amount of Sawaab (Reward) which this noble practice carries.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISWAAK IN ISLAM

Islam has accorded an elevated status to the Miswaak. Its importance has been stressed in many Ahadith of our Holy Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). The statements and examples of the Sahaba and the Ulama of Islam regarding this practice bear testimony in abundance of the significance of the Miswaak.

Ibn Umar (R) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) 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)

It is clear from this Hadith that two types of benefits accrue from the use of the Miswaak. These could be categorized as follows:

(1) UKHRAWI or Benefits which relate to the Hereafter;

(2) DUNYAWI or Benefits which relate to this worldly life.

 

The Ukhrawi category comprises the various Sawaabs (Rewards) which the Servant of Allah will obtain in the Hereafter for using the Miswaak. The Dunyawi category comprises the immediate benefits or advantages accruing to the physical human body by the constant use of the Miswaak.

The prime motive of the true Believer in his use of the Miswaak is his desire to obtain the first category of Benefits, i.e. Ukhrawi, the obtainable of the second category being a necessary corollary. This is so, since the only factor which governs the motive and intention of the Believer in his Ibaadat (Worship) is the Pleasure of Allah, our Creator, Nourisher and Sustainer. Hadhrat Ali (R), the fourth Khalif of Islam said: “Make the Miswaak (i.e. its use) incumbent upon you, and be constant in this practice because Allah’s Pleasure is in it and it increases the Reward of Salat from ninety-nine times to four hundred times.”

In fact, the importance of the Miswaak is such that at one stage our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was under the impression that Allah Ta’aala might decree the use of the Miswaak Fardh (compulsory) upon the Ummah.

Abu Umamah (R) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: ‘Use the Miswaak, for verily, it purifies the mouth, and it is a Pleasure for the Lord. Jib-ra-eel (A.S.) exhorted me so much to use the Miswaak that I feared that its use would be decreed obligatory upon me and upon my Ummah. If I did not fear imposing hardship on my Ummah I would have made its use obligatory upon my people. Verily, I use the Miswaak so much that I fear the front part of my mouth being peeled (by constant and abundant brushing with the Miswaak)’.” (IBN MAJAH)

 

The best type of siwak is that which comes from the araak tree. The siwak of the Prophet (pbuh) was from that tree. The siwak is a natural twig fortified with natural minerals that help clean the teeth, other inhibitors that prevent gums from bleeding, cleaning agents that kill microbes and germs and a scent that gives breath a naturally fresh smell. The siwak is an ideal, natural brush that has been endowed with more than any artificial toothpaste could ever have.

 

Like a toothbrush, the wicks on the siwak clean between the teeth and do not break under any amount of pressure; rather, they are flexible and strong. The small wicks bend to the appropriate shape to get plaque and leftover food out from in between teeth while avoiding any damage to the gums.

The Prophet (pbuh) taught us more than 1,400 years ago to use the siwak to clean our teeth and mouth and give it a nice scent. Anas quoted the Prophet (pbuh) as saying: “Whenever the Angel Gabriel would visit me, he would advise me to use the siwak.”

In a Hadith related by Ibn Abba the Nabi (S.A.W.) says: “Miswak brings clarity to speech, it cleans the mouth.” ALLAH is pleased by it. It also cleans the teeth, it cleans the mouth of bad smell, it makes the gums strong, it clears the throat, it clears the saliva, it increases eyesight, it pushes away old age, it keeps the bare strength, it helps digestion, it removes the pangs of death, and it reminds the person of the Kalimah before death. Shaytaan runs away from it, it increases rizq, it removes toothache, it strengthens the digestive organs, and it strengthens the mind. It clears the heart and puts nur into it and also cures many of the body illnesses.

Times when usage of Miswaak is Sunnah:

1. For the recitation of the Qur’an.

2. For the recitation of Hadith.

3. When a bad smell comes out of the mouth.

4. For the learning or teaching of virtues of Islaam.

5. For making Dhikrullah (Remebrance of Allah, meditation).

6. After entering one’s home.

7. Before entering any good gathering.

8. When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.

9. After the signs of death are evident.

10. At the time of Sehri.

11. Before meals.

12. Before undertaking a journey.

13. On returning from a journey.

14. Before sleeping.

15. Upon awakening.

How long should a Miswaak be?

A Miswaak should not be longer than a “span” i.e. the maximum distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger, and it should not be thicker than a finger’s breadth.

How should it be used?

A Miswaak should be held in such a manner that the small finger and thumb is below the miswaak and the remaining fingers on its upper side.

SUBSTITUTES FOR THE MISWAAK

(1) The Fingers

In the case of the non-availability of the Miswaak the fingers (forefinger and the thumb) should be used to cleanse the teeth. This method will serve the purpose of the Miswaak as far as the Sawaab is concerned, i.e. if a Miswaak is not available the Sawaab (Reward) attendant to the Miswaak will be realized by using the fingers as a substitute provided that Niyyat (intention) of Miswaak be made when the fingers are used for this purpose.

Hadhrat Amr Bin Auf Muzni (R) states that the fingers could be used as an adequate substitute for the Miswaak in the case of the latter’s absence.

Imam Tahtaawi (R) says: ‘The promised Reward (of using the Miswaak) shall be obtained in the event of the non-availability of the Miswaak, and not in the event of its availability’.” In other words, if a Miswaak is available and you are able to use same then the Sawaab of it will not be realised by using a substitute.

(2) Cloth

A coarse piece of cloth may also be used in case of the non-availability of a Miswaak. Those who have no teeth should use the fingers or a cloth as substitutes for the Miswaak, and they will obtain the Sawaab. But Niyyat of the Miswaak should be made. ‘And, the significance of the Miswaak shall be obtained even though the finger or a cloth be used in the event of the non-availability of the Miswaak.” (SHURAMBALI)

(3) Toothbrush

If the toothbrush is made of bristles (pig’s hair) then its use is not permissible. If bristles are not used, the use of the toothbrush is permissible. However, the toothbrush will not serve as a substitute in the case of the Miswaak being available. If a Miswaak is available Reward will not be realised by using the toothbrush. The same applies to toothpowder or any other means of cleansing the teeth. It should be remembered here that during the time of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) substitutes, e.g. toothpowder, etc., existed, but our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) never equated these with the Miswaak. Therefore, the argument of the modernist that the toothbrush today takes the place of the Miswaak is fallacious and a good example of the apologetic attitude adopted by modern Muslims of today.