“Cleanliness is half of faith.”
Purification is woven into the very fabric of a Muslim. From doing wudu five times a day to performing ghusl for major impurities, maintaining hygiene is encouraged throughout a Muslim’s life. Islam gives its followers many ways to practice personal grooming, and one of them is miswak. A sunnah of the Prophet PBUH, and a long-followed tradition in the Muslim community.
Miswak: The Muslim Alternative To Modern Oral Care
Aisha RA narrated that she heard the Prophet PBUH saying, “Miswak is a means through which one can purify their mouth, and it is pleasing to Allah.”
Miswak, also referred to as siwak in some regions, is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to a regular toothbrush. Made from the trunk of Salvadora Persica (the toothbrush tree), it occupies a central role in the Islamic oral care routine. It is one of the most encouraged practices of the Prophet PBUH and carries great reward for the one who follows it. Furthermore, the benefits of using miswak extend far beyond the spiritual. The tree from which miswak is made is rich in natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help in preventing plaque and tooth decay while strengthening the enamel. It combines the benefits of nature and the sunnah to provide Muslims with a single solution for all their dental problems.
The Usage Of Miswak: A Clear Guide
Using a miswak for the first time can prove to be difficult if one doesn’t follow the proper guidelines. However, once a person learns the correct way, the act becomes way easier, and one might even be able to make it a permanent part of their daily routine way quicker. The following are step-by-step instructions anyone can follow, regardless of their experience with the miswak, to make practicing this sunnah easier.
- Cut off an inch from the end of the miswak to expose fresh bark and remove any germs that may be on the wood.
- Pick one end and chew on it firmly until the miswak becomes soft and forms natural bristles. To speed up this process, one can also soak the miswak in water to soften it.
- When the bristles are fully formed, rinse them with water.
- Brush your teeth with the miswak, then store it in a container, just like a toothbrush.
After one has learned to use the miswak properly, they should also keep in mind the following to ensure they are getting the full benefit from the stick while taking proper care of their teeth.
- The miswak should not be used with excessive force. Applying unnecessary force can lead to enamel loss and gum recession. The proper way to use the miswak is through firm but gentle to-and-fro motions.
- A miswak should be kept in a dry and well-ventilated place. It is made of wood, and if left damp or wet in humid areas, it can begin to develop a smell or mold. After brushing, make sure to jerk the miswak to remove excess water, then place it upright to prevent deterioration.
Making The Switch
Making the switch from a regular toothbrush can prove difficult due to unfamiliarity with the texture and taste. The miswak stick has a strong taste because it is a tree branch, unlike a plastic toothbrush. However, there are ways to make this transition easier. The most common option many choose is to first use the miswak with toothpaste. Although the stick alone is enough for proper dental care and doesn’t require toothpaste due to its natural properties, using toothpaste can make the switch easier, as it helps to tone down the taste of miswak.
Alternatively, one can use a toothpaste with Salvadora Persica extract. Using it to brush the teeth can help one become gradually familiar with the taste of miswak until one completely switches to the stick.
The most important thing to remember is to start slow and take it one step at a time. Many Muslims go all in and then switch back to their toothbrushes after a day or two because the miswak feels too unfamiliar. Integrating it into the routine by brushing with it once a day is a great way to ensure one actually sticks with the practice.
What Kind Of Miswak Is Recommended To Use?
Sources suggest that the most preferred option is the arak tree twig due to its brush-like fibers. If twigs are unavailable, one may use a palm-leaf stalk or olive twigs.
When To Use Miswak?
The Prophet PBUH said, “I stress upon you to use the Miswak.”
Muslims are recommended to use miswak throughout the day. It helps maintain good hygiene and oral health. However, scholars have noted some situations in which the use of miswak is strongly encouraged, whereas at other times it is not.
When Making Wudu & At Times Of Salah
Using miswak when making wudu is one of the highly encouraged sunnahs of the Prophet PBUH. There are several authentic reports that state the Prophet PBUH had a daily habit of using miswak when he was doing ablution.
Aisha RA narrated that the Prophet PBUH used miswak during his wudu. Whenever He woke up during the night, He would brush His teeth with the stick, make wudu, and pray salat.
Abu Hurairah RA narrated the Prophet PBUH as saying, “I would have commanded my ummah to use the miswak at the time of each salah were it not that it would pose a difficulty for them.”
When Entering One’s House
There are several hadiths stating that the Prophet PBUH used the miswak upon arriving home.
Someone asked Aisha RA what was the first thing the Prophet PBUH did after entering the house. She replied, “He would use the Miswak.”
When Waking Up At Night
The Prophet PBUH would use the Miswak whenever he woke up at night. This practice not only helps keep the mouth clean but also gives the teeth a chance to strengthen during the night due to the stick’s natural properties.
Hudaifa RA narrated, “The Prophet PBUH would use the Miswak to clean his teeth whenever he got up at night.”