Reviving the Sunnah of Miswak

Miswak are the twigs or roots of certain trees that are used on a regular basis by Muslims for centuries and all the Ambiyaa (عليهم السلام) to maintain oral hygiene and gain the pleasure of Allah ﷻ.

A Miswak is a ‘natural toothbrush.’ Not only does it provide spiritual benefits, but it is also beneficial to the everyday maintenance of one’s mouth, gums, and teeth.

Advantages of using the Miswak:

1. It strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
2. It assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further decay of teeth.
3. It creates a fragrance in the mouth.
4. It is a cure for many illnesses.
5. It has antibacterial properties that can help fight plaque and gingivitis.
6. Contains minerals such as chloride, sodium bicarbonate and potassium
7. It eliminates bad odours and improves the sense of taste.
8. It improves memory.
9. It is a cure for headaches.
10. It creates luster (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
11. It is a natural alternative to traditional toothbrushes.
12. It is a relatively cheap, oral hygiene tool.
13. It causes the teeth to glow.
14. It strengthens the eyesight.
15. It assists in digestion.
16. It clears the voice.
17. It leaves you with a healthy mouth
18. The greatest benefit of using a Miswak is gaining the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.
19. The reward of Salah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if a Miswak is used at the time of making wudhu (ablution).
20. The person using Miswak regularly gets the ability to recite the kalimah at the time of death!!

There are many more benefits of using a Miswak.

However, the most vital reason for using the Miswak is: It is the Mubarak Sunnah of our beloved Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam.

Hazrat Aisha RadhiAllahu ‘Anha reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: The Miswak cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Rabb.” [An-Nasa’i and Ibn Khuzaimah].

Abu Ayyub (RadhiAllahu ‘Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam said: “Four things are among the practices of the Ambiyaa – Circumcision, application of Perfume, Miswak and Marriage.” (AHMAD AND TIRMIZI).

Sunnah Times of using a Miswak:

1. At the time of making Wudhu (ablution) before offering Salah and reciting Qur’an.
2. On the day of Jumuah.
3. When the mouth emits odour.
4. After entering our home.
5. Before entering any religious or a decent gathering.
6. When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.
7. When the signs of death are evident.
8.  Before and after having Sehri, Iftar or a normal meal.
9. Before undertaking a journey.
10. On returning from a journey.
11. Before going to bed.
12. After awakening.

It is very much advisable to use Miswak only, when we want to clean our teeth for the following reasons:

Firstly, it would be an indication that we are strictly following the Sunnah. Secondly, we can never know whether the ingredients used in toothpastes are halaal or not.

Du’a before using a Miswak

اللهم طَهِّر فَمِي، ونَوِّر قَلبِي، وطَهِّر بَدَنِي، وحَرِّم جَسَدي على النّار، وأَدْخِلنِي بِرَحْمَتِك في عِبادِك الصّالِحين

Allahumma tahhir fami, wa nawwir qalbi, a tahhir badani, a harrim jasadi ‘alan nar, wa adkhilni birahmatika fi ‘ibadikas salihin

O Allah! Purify my mouth, enlighten my heart, purify my body, make my body forbidden upon Jahannam and admit me through Your Mercy among your pious slaves.

May Allah ﷻ grant us the Taufiq to revive this great Sunnah!

Aameen Thumma Aameen!

By: Mohamed Bashir Bharadia رحمه الله

(Alhamdulillah He had just finished writing this article at the time of his demise).