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Using miswak was one of our Holy Prophet (PBUH) 's favourite hobbies for maintaining cleanliness and oral hygiene. He said:
"If it were not that I might overburden my followers, I would have ordered them to use the miswak before every prayer."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 887)
Miswak is considered Sunnah, and Muslims are encouraged to use it. It is a natural way to cleanse the mouth and teeth as well as having numerous health benefits. However, many people today don’t know how to use miswak properly, given that they use toothbrushes. Nevertheless, it is not that difficult at all to pick it up. In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to use miswak that you can follow.
Miswak is a special type of tooth-cleaning twig traditionally used for oral hygiene in many Middle Eastern and African countries. It is similar to a modern toothbrush and has been used for oral hygiene for over 7,000 years, even before the times of ancient Babylonians and Egyptians.
Using miswak to clean teeth has several benefits, such as removing plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and freshening your breath. Miswak is also a natural antiseptic and can help prevent infections. These benefits are the reason why the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself used himself and recommended that the Ummah (Muslim community) use it for personal hygiene. He said:
"The miswak purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord."
(Sunan al-Nasa'i, Hadith 5)
Check out our blog on some interesting facts and benefits of using miswak.
Now, let's discuss step-by-step how to use miswak to clean teeth and maintain oral hygiene:
When you buy miswak, it looks like a small wooden stick that cannot be used on teeth. To use it on the teeth, you must peel one end of the stick to expose the wooden part underneath it. Usually, 1-1.5 inches of peeling is enough. Spit out and discard the peeled part. Miswak twigs can have a slight "spicy" or "burning" taste when chewed. Some may find this slightly unpleasant, but it isn't harmful.
As soon as you've exposed the wood underneath the bark, chew on it. The goal is to soften the wood so that it becomes thin, fibrous bristles. Usually, it doesn't take more than a minute - you'll know it's ready when the wood begins to fan out like a brush. It would be ideal if the bristles of the miswak had a slight resistance to them (similar to what you would get with a soft-bristled toothbrush).
Miswak is traditionally used without toothpaste or other oral hygiene products, though you can use them if you wish. If you want to use miswak like the traditional way, just dip the bristly end in water (like toothpaste before brushing). For its pleasant fragrance, miswak practitioners often use rosewater instead of ordinary water.
Now, it's time to brush. As with a toothbrush, you will brush with the tip of the stick rather than the side. You may grip the stick however is most comfortable for you. The traditional way to hold miswak sticks is to place the thumb of the right hand directly below the bristly tip, place the little finger beneath the back of the stick, and wrap the other three fingers around the stick.
Once you have a good grip on the miswak, you can begin brushing. The bristly tip of the stick should be pressed into your teeth and gently moved up and down to clean their front surfaces. Make sure you hit every surface of your teeth with the bristles as you move around your mouth. Make sure you don't push too hard - you don't want to scrape the enamel of your teeth, which can be painful.
When you're used to a toothbrush, miswak may feel awkward at first, but eventually, it becomes easy. Just like with a toothbrush, use miswak to clean the backs of your teeth, too.
You can maintain the freshness of your miswak stick by cutting or breaking off the worn bristles with a knife (or using your bare hands). Your bristles' average lifespan will vary depending on how often you brush and the type of stick you use. It's a good idea to cut away your stick's bristles every time they look old and damaged. This usually means cutting them every few days.
However, there are some notable exceptions. Miswak sticks that are processed and sold commercially usually last over six months because of preservatives, so you don’t need to trim them that often.
When you are finished brushing your teeth, do a quick rinse of your miswak and clean it of any debris. Miswaks should be kept in a clean, open space, not in containers or bags that can trap moisture and encourage mould growth. Miswak sticks should be kept away from sinks and toilets to prevent bacteria transfers due to accidental splashes of water.
Some people use miswak to keep their teeth clean. However, for Muslims, it is more than cleaning their teeth; it is the way of following the Sunnah (habits) of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Muslims are required to perform wudu (ablution) before praying salah as a way to cleanse their body.
As a part of the wudu process, the use of miswak is highly encouraged as it enhances cleanliness and embodies the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The miswak is not just about oral hygiene; it also has spiritual significance. One powerful hadith highlights the value of using the miswak:
“The preference for prayer in which a siwak (miswak) is used to prayer in which it is not used is seventy times.”
(Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 389)
This shows the immense reward for those who use a miswak before their prayer. It shows that this simple act, when done to follow the Sunnah, can elevate the quality and acceptance of salah significantly.
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If you live in an area where it's hard to find a genuine miswak stick, or you're concerned about using a twig to clean your teeth, don't be! You can use an ordinary toothbrush (with or without toothpaste) for your wudu. Not using a miswak would not make your wudu invalid or incomplete. Using a miswak is a recommended Sunnah practice, not a mandatory part of wudu.
Wudu involves sincerely intending to purify yourself in the eyes of Allah (SWT) and making the best possible efforts to accomplish this goal. Your choice of tooth-cleaning tool is not nearly as important as the fact that you are doing so as a sign of your devotion to Allah (SWT).
Using a miswak is a simple and natural way to follow the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) while keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Whether you use a miswak or a toothbrush, the key is to maintain good oral hygiene and the intention to please Allah (SWT).
Miswak has physical benefits and carries spiritual significance, making it a beautiful part of Islamic practices. Start using miswak today and enjoy its many blessings in both your daily life and worship!
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