Ramadan 1445 AH — Day 18: Using The Miswak
“Siwak is a means of purification for the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord.” — Sunan an-Nasa’i
The use of tooth sticks also known as miswak holds numerous benefits in Islam, both in terms of oral hygiene and spiritual purification. Several scientific investigations have showcased the multifaceted benefits of the Miswak (Salvadora persica), illustrating its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticariogenic, and antiplaque attributes.
Moreover, various research endeavors suggest that the Miswak also harbors antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Utilizing the Miswak triggers an instant alteration in saliva composition, as affirmed by numerous clinical analyses, which also underline the comparable, and sometimes superior, chemical cleansing efficacy of Miswak chewing sticks over traditional toothbrushes.
Owing to numerous benefits that could be found in the use of miswak, Allah’s Apostle ﷺ strongly recommends it for his ummah:
“If I had not found it difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak for every prayer.” — Sahih Bukhari
Many companions of the Prophet, such as Abu Huraira, Abdullah ibn Abbas, and Abdullah ibn Masud — may Allah be pleased with them all were known to use Siwak regularly. They followed this excellent example of the Prophet ﷺ and encouraged others to do the same. They recognized the spiritual significance of using the Siwak. They viewed it as a way to purify themselves physically and spiritually before engaging in acts of worship, such as prayer and Quran recitation.
Among the benefits of the use of Siwak are:
- Oral Hygiene — it gives you a fresh breath and strengthens the gingiva
- Spiritual Purification — it’s pleasing to Allah and the angels.
- Following the Sunnah — a means of prophetic guidance.
To corroborate this, the Messenger of Allah also said:
Make frequent use of the Siwak, for verily, it purifies the mouth and it is a means of seeking the pleasure of the Lord. — Ibn Majah
In sum, using Siwak is a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It holds medical, physical, and spiritual benefits. The Hadith evidence and examples from the lives of the righteous predecessors demonstrate the importance of incorporating this practice into one’s daily routine for oral hygiene and spiritual purification. Let’s strive to revive this sunnah and reap the rewards immensely.
Action Points
- Cleanse your mouth with a Miswak before making wudu for every prayer.
- Revive this sunnah to create an awareness for yourself, your loved ones, and those within your circle of influence.
- Get yourself a handy tooth stick, and keep it within reach for easy use.
That’s it for today, take action on this Daily Revival and if you missed yesterday’s episode, you can find it here. I ask Allah to make it easy for you and me. Amin!
Yaumul Khams 18th Ramadan 1445 AH // Thursday 28th March 2024.
- If you’d like to support a charitable cause this Ramadan, donate to Rafeeqee Foundation
- You may join my WhatsApp Broadcast channel called “Islamic Reminders” where you can find some more beneficial stuff.
- Finally, I made a practical video on how to crush your Ramadan goals using two non-conventional methodologies. You’ll find it on Pure Masculinity Podcast, don’t forget to subscribe.
