The Miswak (also known as Siwak) is a natural oral hygenic tool used by Muslims. Miswak is a small arabic tree but can be from other trees such as neem or olive tree too. Miswak is seen as the best cleaning tool for teeth, based on its biological properties that keep the moth and teeth clean and healthy.
Miswak is a twig of a tree wich edge acts as a brush and you can chew it or use it to massage your gums. Even after one usage only, you can feel how strong your teeth become. It is best to use a fresh twig, if it’s dry, use some water to make the brush soft again. Cut it regularly.
Our Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam), along with all the other prophets (Ala Nabiyyina wa Alayhim as-Salat wa as-Salam), used it regularly, and advised his followers to do the same.
The Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) states, „Miswak is a thing that pleases the Merciful Lord.“ [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 637, Hadith 1933]
Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (Radi Allahu Anhu) has narrated the following saying of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam), „Miswak is a means of the purification of your mouths and the pleasure of your Rabb.“ [Sunan Ibn Majah, Page 2495, Hadith 289]
Tabrani narrates a Hasan narration on the authority of Hadrat Ali (Radi Allahu Anhu), citing that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, „If I did not feel that it would be difficult upon my Ummah, I would have commanded them to perform miswak with every Wudu.“ [Mu’jam al-Awsat, Vol. 1, Page 341, Hadith 1238]
It is on the authority of Hadrat Ali (Radi Allahu Anhu) that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, ‘When a servant (believer) performs Miswak and then stands for Salaah, an Angel stands behind him and listens to his Qir’at (recitation). The Angel then comes so close to him, that it places its mouth against the mouth of that person (the Namaazi).’ [Musnad al-Bazzar, Vol. 2, Page 614, Hadith 603]
Whenever the Exalted Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would wake up from his sleep, he would use the Miswak. [Sunan Abu Dawud, Page 54, Hadith 57]
“Use of Miswak strengthen memory and eyesight, cures headaches and relieves the veins in the head, eliminates sputum, improves digestion, increases brain power, increases birth rate, delays aging and strengthens the back.” [Hashiya al-Tahtawi Ala Maraqil Falah, Page 69]
