A SUNNAH OF PROPHET(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) -
Miswaak Quick View of Benefits:
Advantages of Miswaak:
1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.
4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.
5. Miswaak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.
6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.
7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.
10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.
11. Miswaak assists in digestion.
12. Miswaak clears the voice.
13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.
14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.
Times when usage of Miswaak is Sunnah:
1. For the recitation of the Qur'an.
2. For the recitation of Hadith.
3. When the mouth emits and odor.
4. For the learning or teaching of virtues of Islaam.
5. For making Dhikrullah (Remebrance of Allah, meditation).
6. After entering ones 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.
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Miswaak: The Whole Story
THE MISWAAK
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) laid great stress on the use of Miswaak (a tree-twig used for cleansing the teeth). One of the Sunnats of Wudhu is to use a Miswaak. Wherever a Miswaak is available and is not used, the full beauty and complete Sawaab (regard) of Wudhu is not realised. There are numerous benefits and advantages in using Miswaak.
HISTORY OF MISWAAK
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 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 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 Miswaak invite upon themselves a great misfortune by being deprived of the tremendous amount of Sawaab (Reward) which this noble practice carries.
Allamah Ibn Ismail says:
"It surprises me how people could forgo such a great Sunnah, the significance of which many Ahadith of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) explain. Remember that it is a great loss to neglect the Miswaak."
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISWAAK IN ISLAM
Islam has accorded an elevated status to 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 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 Miswaak. These could be categorised 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 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 Miswaak is his desire to obtain the first category of Benefits, i.e. Ukhrawi, the obtainal 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 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 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 Miswaak Fardh (compulsory) upon the Ummah (Islamic Nation).
Abu Umamah (R) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'Use 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)
Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) 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 Salaat'." (BUKHARI)
Hadith:
Hadhrat Shah Waliullah (R) relates the following:
The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'I was commanded to use Miswaak to such an extent that I thought Miswaak would be made obligatory'. "(AHMAD and TIBRANI)
Ibn Abbas (R) narrates the following Hadith:
The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'I was commanded so much to use Miswaak that I thought Wahi of the Qurtaan (Revelation) would be revealed, regarding it (i.e. its use)'." (ABU YA'LAA)
Although the use of the Miswaak was not made Fardh (compulsory) upon the Ummah, nevertheless its use was Fardh upon our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). This is borne out by the following Hadith:
Aisha (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam): said:
'These (practices), viz., Miswaak, Witr Salaat and Tahajjud Salaat, are Sunnat for you and Fardh for me'.
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (R) narrates:
"The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would use Miswaak (regularly) prior to sleeping and after rising from sleep." (MUNTAKHAB)
Imam Ghazali (R), in his Ihya-ul-Uloom, has enum,erated ten Aadaab (Respects or duties) of sleep. The very first of these being purity and the use of Miswaak (before sleeping).
Allamah Sha'rani (R) states in the Kitaab, Kashful Ghummah, that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam): advised:
"Whenever you retire for sleep, use Miswaak."
Shaikh Abu Hamid (R) has said likewise in his Kitaab known as RAUNAQ.
Hadhrat Ibn Umar (R) says that many a time Rasulullah used Miswaak as much as four times in a single night. Hadhrat Aishah (R) narrates:
"Verily, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would use Miswaak before making Wudhu (ablutions) whenever he arose from sleep, whether it be during the night or during the day." (ABU DAWOOD)
MISWAAK UPON ENTERING HOME
Shuraih (R) narrates that he asked Aisha (R): 'What was the first thing Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) did upon entering the house?'
Aisha (R) replied: 'Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would use Miswaak'." (MUSLIM)
MISWAAK UPON LEAVING HOME
"Whenever Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) left the house he would use Miswaak." (KASHFUL GHUMMAH)
MISWAAK BEFORE AND AFTER MEALS
Abu Hurairah (R) said:
"I have used Miswaak before sleeping, after rising, before eating and after eating, ever since I heard the Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) advising so'."(AHMAD)
MISWAAK BEFORE RECITING THE HOLY QUR'AAN
Hadhrat Ali (R) said:
'Verily, your mouths are the pathways of the Qur'aan (i.e. you recite with your mouth), therefore cleanse your mouth with Miswaak thoroughly'. " (IBN MAJAH)
MISWAAK DURING FASTING
Aamir Bin Rabiyah (R) narrates:
'I have seen Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) using Miswaak many a time while fasting'." (IBN MAJAH)
In another Hadith our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said that one of the best characteristics of a fasting person is his use of Miswaak.
The majority of the Ulama have opined that it is Sunnat to use Miswaak while fasting. It is recorded in Fataawa Siraajiah that a fasting person may use a dry or a moist (i.e. fresh, green) Miswaak.
It is recorded in many Ahadith that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his Sahaba were in the habit of having their Miswaaks on their persons while on a journey or during battles. In the Kitaab, Kashful Ghummah it is mentioned that during battle the Companions of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would store their Miswaaks in the scabbards of their swords for use at the time of Salaat.
Allamah Sha'rani (R) states in Kashful Ghummah that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
"Whoever spurns or rejects Miswaak is not of us (Muslims).."
All the aforegoing Ahadith of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the statements of the learned jurists of Islam point clearly to the tremendous importance of Miswaak in Islam. However, despite its elevated status, significance and importance, this noble practice is neglected and generally discarded by present day Muslims. Needless to say, this is one of the examples of the spiritual and worldly decadence that have set into the Muslim Nation.
The revival of the practice of using Miswaak instead of the various substitutes is of utmost importance to Muslims. In times such as the present age when we are confronted and surrounded by the satanic forces of irreligiosity, materialism, atheism, vice and immorality, it is of greater importance that Muslims strive most ardently to re-instate the practices or the Sunnah of our beloved Nabi it;. And, of these is Miswaak. Substitutes, e.g. toothpowders, brushes, etc.., should only be resorted to in the event of the non-availability of Miswaak. To revive a "lost" or a forgotten Sunnah of our Nabi it:—a Sunnah which the followers of Islam have murdered—carries a great and mighty Thawaab (Reward). In this regard our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
"He who holds on firmly to my Sunnah at a time when my Ummah are (grovelling) in corruption will receive a reward of a hundred martyrs."
And, indeed the MISWAAK IS A GREAT SUNNAH.
THE SAHABAS (COMPANIONS) AND THE MISWAAK
The Sahabas (R) who were the best and the noblest examples and teachers of the Sunnah of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) viewed Miswaak in a very serious light and regarded it as a practice of supreme holiness. Their constant use of Miswaak, their continuous exhortations to use Miswaak and their warnings to those who neglect Miswaak are ample evidence of the nobility and the importance attached to this practice of using Miswaak.
Abdul Aziz Abu Dawood (R) said:
"Two things of a Muslim are among the best of practices—
(1) Performing Tahajjud Salaat, and
(2) Constancy in the use of the Miswaak."
THE ULAMA AND MISWAAK
Hadhrat Shaukani (R) said:
"Miswaak is one of the Laws of Shariah. And, this fact is as clear as daylight. This has been conceded by the peoples of the world." ( NAILIL AUTAAR)
Allamah Aini (R) says:
"Abu Amr (R) said that upon the significance of the Miswaak concensus of opinion exists. There is no difference of opinion on this score. According to all learned men of Islam, Salaat performed after using Miswaak is far nobler than a Salaat without Miswaak. Auzaai (R) said that Miswaak is half of Wudhu." (AL-BUNAAYAH)
Shaikh Muhammad (R) said:
"Verily, over a hundred Hadith have been narrated regarding the significance of Miswaak. Therefore, it is a great astonishment to behold that so many among mankind as well as among the learned neglect such an important practice which has been emphasized to such an extent. This is a great loss." (SUBL)
AADAAB OR RESPECTS TO BE OBSERVED REGARDING MISWAAK
The majority of the Ulama hold the view that the use of Miswaak is not Fardh (compulsory) . Howeyer, despite it not being decreed Fardh by the Shariah, it is of utmost importance. It is likewise essential that all the Aadaab pertaining to Miswaak be observed. Neglect of the Aadaab is a sign of spiritual indolence and weakness of Imaan. In order to achieve the Sawaub of a particular practice in full measure it is necessary that the Aadaab relating to the practice be observed. If neglect is shown towards the Aadanb, the final result will be the neglect of that very practice. In the Kituab, Ta'leemul Muta-allim the following is stated:
"He who becomes neglectful about the Aadaab is deprived of the Sunnats; and he who becomes neglectful of the Sunnats is deprived of the Faraa-idh (compulsory acts); and he who becomes neglectful of the Faraaidh is deprived of the Hereafter."(TA'LEEMUL MUTA-ALLIM)
Faqih Abu Laith Samarqandi (R) states:
"As long as the Servant of Allah safeguards the Aadaab Satan does not attempt to assault him (i.e. mislead him). However, when he neglects the Aadaab Satan makes advances into the Sunnats (i.e. misleads the Servant from the Sunnats). Thereafter follows Satan's assault on the faraa-idh (compulsory duties). This is followed by Satan's assault on Ikhlaas (sincerity), and finally on Yaqeen (Faith). Hence, it is necessary for a person to protect the Aadaab of all his affairs and actions, e g. the Aadaab of selling and the Aadaab of Wudhu, Salaat, buying, etc. (BUSTAANUL AARIFEEN)
TYPES OF MISWAAKS
It is permissible to take for a Miswaak all types of tree twigs provided these are not harmful or poisonous. It is forbidden to use a Miswaak from a poisonous tree. Miswaaks from the following trees are not permissible:
(1) Pomegranate
(2) Bamboo
(3) Raihaan
(4) Chambelie
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) FORBADE THE USE OF Raihaan as Miswaak because it causes the sickness, Juz-zaam
The following are the types of Miswaak are recommended:
(1) Peelo tree
(2) Zaitoon or Olive tree
(3) Bitam or
(4) Any bitter tree
(5) Walnut tree
Miswaak of the Peelo Tree
"And, the best of Miswaaks is the Peelo, then the Olive." (KABIRI)
The best type of Miswaak is that which is taken from the Peelo tree. In the Kitaab, Ta-heelul Manaa-fi' it is mentioned that the miswaak of the Peelo tree is excellent for obtaining the glow or glitter of the teeth.
Our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) also praised and recommended the Peelo tree for Miswaak purposes. Besides recommending the Peelo tree, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) as well as the Sahaabas (R) used Miswaaks of this tree.. Ibn Sa'd (R) narrates that Abu Khabrah (R) said:
Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) presented me with a Miswaak of the Peelo tree, and he (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'Use the Miswaak of the Peelo tree'.
Ibn Masood (R) said:
"I always kept a stock of Peelo Miswaaks for Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)"
In the Kitaab, Mawaahib, it is stated that the Companions of Imam Shafi (R) have recorded Concensus of Opinion among them on the fact that the use of the Peelo Miswaak is Mustahab (i.e. an Islamic practice which carries much Sawaab (Reward) if upheld, and in the event of not fulfilling it no punishment will be meted out).
Miswaak of the Olive Tree
Rasullulah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has spoken highly of the Miswaak of this tree as well. The following Hadith brings out the significance of the Olive tree Miswaak:
"Use the Miswaak of the Olive tree. It is the Miswaak of a Mubarak (auspicious or gracious) tree. It purifies and makes wholesome the mouth. It removes the yellowishness of the teeth. It is my (i.e. Rasulullah's (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)) Miswaak and the Miswaak of the Ambiyaa (Prophets) who came before me." (MUNTAKHAB)
Miswaak of the Bitam Tree
In another Hadith it is stated that in the absence of the Peelo tree the Olive tree should be used, and in the absence of the Olive Miswaak, the Bitam tree Miswaak should be used. (MUNTAKHAB)
Miswaak of some bitter tree
If none of the three abovementioned types of Miswaak is available, a Miswaak of any bitter tree should be used. (KUHASTANI)
" . . Thereafter it is Mustahab to use a Miswaak of a bitter tree because the Miswaak of a bitter tree removes odor of the mouth to a greater extent."(KABIRI)
In Alamgiri it is stated that Miswaak of a bitter tree makes the mouth wholesome, strengthens the teeth and the gums.
Mlswask of the Walnut Tree
Mistwaak of the Walnut tree has been recommended in the Kitaab, Taise.
NIYYAT OR INTENTION OF USING THE MISWAAK
"Niyyat of using the Miswaak should be made prior to its use." (SHARE MINHAAJ)
The following duaa should also be recited at the time of using the Miswaak:
Translation: "O Allah, Purify my mouth: Enlighten my heart: Purify my body; And make my body unlawful to the Fire." (BUNAYAH)
AADAAB (Etiquette) OF MISWAAK
(1) Miswaak should be a straight twig, devoid of roughness.
(2) Miswaak should be clean.
(3) Miswaak should not be too hard nor too soft.
(4) Miswaak should not be used while one is lying down.
(5) New Miswaak should be approximately 8 inches (a hand-span) in length.
(6) 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) Miswaak should not be sucked.
(10) Miswaak should be placed vertically when not in use. It should not be thrown onto the ground.
(11) If Miswaak is dry it should be moistened with water prior to use. This is Mustahab. It is preferable to moisten it with Rose water.
(12) Miswaak should not be used in the toilet.
(13) 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) Miswaak should not be used at both ends.
(15) Miswaak should not be taken from an unknown tree as it may be poisonous.
ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF MISWAAK
(1) Eliminates bad odour and improves the sense of taste
Allamah Ibn Daqiq (R) says: "The wisdom underlying the use of Miswaak after rising from sleep is that during sleep bad vapours rise from the stomach towards the mouth. This causes bad odour in the mouth as well as a change in the sense of taste. Use of Miswaak eliminates the bad odor and rectifies the change which occurred in the taste." (NALE WA TA'LEEQ)
(2) Sharpens the Memory
Hadhrat Ali (R) said that "Miswaak sharpens the memory."
(3) Sharpens the Intelligence
"Four things increase intelligence—
(i) Shunning of nonsensical talks
(ii) Use of the Miswaak
(iii) Sitting in the company of the pious, and
(iv) Sitting in the company of the Ulama."
(TIBBE NABAWI)
(4) Eliminates Slime
Hadhrat Ali (R) said that "Miswaak removes slime."(IHYA-UL-ULOOM)
(5) A Cure for Illness
Hadhrat Aisha (R) said that "Miswaak (its constant use) is a cure for all illness excepting Death."
(REPORTED BY DAILAMI IN FIRDAUS)
(6) Miswaak creates fragrance in the mouth.
(7) Miswaak strengthens the gums.
(8) Miswaak prevents tooth decay.
(9) Miswaak prevents further increase of decay which has already set in the teeth.
(10) Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
(11) Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches.
(12) Miswaak creates lustre (Noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
(13) Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.
(14) Miswaak removes the yellowishness of the teeth.
(15) Miswaak strengthens the eye-sight.
(16) Miswaak is beneficial for the health of the entire body.
(17) Miswaak assists in the process of Digestion.
(18) Miswaak is a cure for a certain mouth disease known as Qilaa'- This is stated in Hujjatul Baaleghah.
(19) Miswaak clears the voice. This is stated in TibbeNabawi.
(20) Miswaak facilitates the appetite (Tibbe Nabawi).
(21) Miswaak increases the eloquence of one's speech.
Abu Hurairah (R) said that "Miswaak increases the eloquence of a person." (AL-JAAMI')
(22) Miswaak (i.e. its constant use) will be ~ factor to ease the pangs of Death. The continuous use of the Miswaak makes it easy for the Rooh (Soul) to depart from the body when its appointed time arrives.(SHARHUS SUDOOR)
(23) Miswaak increases the Thawaab (reward) of Salaat (prayer) from seventy times to four hundred times.(HADITH)
(24) Miswaak is a factor which will earn higher ranks in Jannat for the one who uses it
(25) The Angels sing the praises of the one who uses Miswaak.
(26) Use of Miswaak displeases Shaitaan.
(27) Use of Miswaak graces one with the companionship of the Angels.
(28) And, the greatest benefit of using Miswaak is the attainment of Allah Ta'ala's Pleasure.
SUBSTITUTES FOR MISWAAK
(1) The Fingers
In the case of the non-availability of Miswaak the fingers should be used to cleanse the teeth. This method will serve the purpose of Miswaak as far as the
Sawaab is concerned, i.e. if a Miswaak is not availa e the Sawaab (Reward) attendant to Miswaak will be realised by using the fingers as a substitute provided that Niyyat (intention) of Miswaak be made when the fingers are used for this purpose.
"Rubbing the teeth with the forefinger and the thumb"(MUHEET)
Hadhrat Amr Bin Auf Muzni (R) states that the fingers could be used as an adequate substitute for Miswaak in the case of the latter's absence.
Imam Tahtaawi (R) says: 'The promised Reward (of using 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 Miswaak should be made.
"And, the significance of Miswaak shall be obtained even though the finger or a cloth be used in the event of the non-availability of 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 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 Miswaak. Therefore, the argument of the modernist that the toothbrush today takes the place of Miswaak is fallacious and a good example of the apologetic attitude adopted by modern Muslims of today.
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