Miswaak (Siwak)
Miswaak, also called siwak is used to clean teeth like we use toothpaste to clean our teeth daily. But the use of miswaak is different from use of tooth paste and it’s way too beneficial to use. A majority of people from Muslim countries use daily to brush their teeth, is an alien thing to most people in the Western world. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w laid great emphasis on using miswak.
Miswaak is a Sunnah
Use of miswak is sunnah, and we know that there is no practice of Muhammad s.a.w.w that is not beneficial for us. Whatever He s.a.w.w ordered has a benefit hidden that science has revealed after more than 1400 years.So, a sunnah is not only a practice of our beloved prophet (s.a.w.w) but it is also proved by science that sunnah has benefits of us. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w used to do miswaak even when He was observing fast.
The Miswak is obtained from the twigs of the Arak, or Peelu tree. Many others varieties are in common use, including walnut and olive.
According to Holy Quran and Ahadit
ALLAH swt has said in Quran:
"And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy."
Surah Aal-e-Imran[3]:132
“Your companion (Muhammad SAW) has neither gone astray nor has erred. Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only a Revelation revealed. “
surah najam- verses 2-4
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w said in ahadit:
Narrated Anas: “Allah's Apostle I said, "I have told you repeatedly to (use) the Siwak. (The Prophet put emphasis on the use of the Siwak.)”
Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 13 :: Hadith 13
Narrated Abu Huraira: “The Prophet said, "If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by Allah." Narrated 'Amir bin Rabi'a, "I saw the Prophet cleaning his teeth with Siwak while he was fasting so many times as I can't count." And narrated Abu Huraira, "The Prophet said, 'But for my fear that it would be hard for my followers, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak on every performance of ablution." The same is narrated by Jabir and Zaid bin Khalid from the Prophet who did not differentiate between a fasting and a nonfasting person in this respect (using Siwak).”
Bukhari :: Book 3 :: Volume 31 :: Hadith 154
Also, He (s.a.w.w) said:
Narrated Abu Huraira: “Allah's Apostle said, "If I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak for every prayer."”
Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 13 :: Hadith 12
This shows how important it is to use miswak. It is not just health benefitial but also when we follow a sunnah we earn swab.
Aisha said, "The Prophet said, "It (i.e. Siwak) is purification for the mouth and it is a way of seeking Allah's pleasures." Ata' and Qatada said, "There is no harm in swallowing the resultant saliva."
Advantages of the Miswaak:
There are 70 benefits of Miswak as known through ancient Islamic literature here’s are some more common.
- Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
- It assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
- Creates a fragrance in the mouth.
- Cure for illness and headaches. .
- Eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.
- Sharpens the memory.
- Creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
- Causes the teeth to glow.
- Strengthens the eyesight.
Times when usage of Miswaak is Sunnah:
- Before recitation of the Qur'an.
- Before recitation of Hadith.
- When the mouth emits and odor.
- On Friday (Juma mubarik)
- Before learning or teaching of virtues of Islaam.
- After entering ones home.
- Before sleeping.
- Performing Tahajjud Salaat
- Upon awakening.
- Before entering any good gathering.
- When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.
- After the signs of death are evident.
- At the time of Sehri.
- Before meals.
- Before undertaking a journey.
- On returning from a journey.
Scientific Study about Miswaak
Scientists of today have not yet attempted the study of some of these boons, while others have been proven by labs effective as stated. The benefits of the Miswaak range widely. Below we have describe some authentic researches.
A 2003 scientific study comparing the use of miswak with ordinary toothbrushes concluded that the results clearly were in favor of the users who had been using the miswak, provided they had been given proper instruction in how to brush using it. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of the miswak in 1986 and in 2000 an international consensus report on oral hygiene concluded that further research was needed to document the effect of the miswak.
Dr. Rami Mohammed Diabi, who spent more than 17 years researching the effects of miswak on health, and especially its anti-addiction effects on smokers (curative and preventive sides), has opened a field of science and research with his last publication: "Miswak Medicine Theory" or Sewak Puncture medicine[ which led him to what is called Beyond Sewak: World of Science and Research.Miswak also is contributing in the fight against desertification, thereby affecting our environment and global climate. (wikipedia)
Latest Research on Miswaak
Latest Research on Miswaak medical papers on the benefits of the miswak carried out by final year dental students at renowned periodontal universities in the Middle East and Europe.
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.
Type of Miswaaks
Types of Miswaak are recommended:
- Peelo tree
- Zaitoon or Olive tree
- Bitam or
- Any bitter tree
- Walnut tree
Miswaaks from a poisonous tree
- Pomegranate
- Bamboo
- Raihaan
- Chambelie
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