MISWAK—THE NOW COOL SUNNAH

You have probably come across the recent trend of using ‘raw toothbrush’ or ‘natural toothbrush’. It may be a new trend in the Western World but us Muslims have been using it for centuries. Prophet SAW regularly used siwak, or miswak and emphasized its use. Over the years many researches have been done on miswak—both in the Muslim and Non-Muslim world—and is widely accepted a preventive medicine for your teeth.

WHAT EXACTLY IS MISWAK?

It is a twig from trees which can be used in fresh or dry forms. However, the most effective twig comes from a tree salvadora persica, known as Araak in Arabic. It is comprised of tiny fibers which can remove dental plaque without irritating the tooth enamel and gum, thereby creating a polished glossy teeth effect.

There is no need for toothpaste because the twig is a complete package full of healing fluids. This fluid neutralizes the pH of the mouth and triggers a chemical reaction due to which the tooth enamel is naturally revitalized and strengthened. Fluid is safe to swallow and is even beneficial for digestion. It contains Fluoride, Silicium, Sulphur, Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Calcium, Silicon, Potassium, Sodium, Tanines, Saponins, Flavonoids – all substances perfectly balanced in their naturally healthy forms.

For Muslims, it is more than just a toothbrush. It is also a way of earning the pleasure of Allah SWT. Prophet SAW said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Siwaak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.’” (Al-Bukhari)

We know that following the sunnah of the Prophet SAW not only brings us closer to him (SAW), it is also full of spiritual, physical and medicinal benefits. Prophet SAW highly emphasized the use of siwaak. He (SAW) said:

“Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my ummah (nation), I would have commanded them to use the siwaak at every time of prayer.” (Al-Bukhari)

BENEFITS

The natural toothbrush is fortified with minerals that do wonders for your oral hygiene!

1. It effectively cleans the teeth. Like a toothbrush, the wicks on the twig clean between the teeth and do not break under any amount of pressure.
2. Prevent gums from bleeding.
3. It has cleaning agents that kill microbes and germs and a scent that gives breath a naturally fresh smell.
4. It contains anti-bacterial acidic inhibitors that fight decay and diarrhea. They are natural disinfectants and can be used to stop bleeding. They disinfect the gums and teeth and close any microscopic cuts that may have existed in the gums. On first usage, the twig will taste harsh, and might even slightly burn. It is because of a mustard-like substance found in it, which is responsible for fighting decay.
5. It contains minerals such as sodium chloride, potassium, sodium bicarbonate and calcium oxides which are the main and preferred ingredients found in toothpastes.
6. It contains enzymes which prevent the build-up of plaque that causes gum disease. Plaque is also the number one cause of premature loss of teeth.
7. The small wicks bend to the appropriate shape to get plaque and leftover food out from in between teeth while avoiding any damage to the gums.

The leftover food found between teeth provides an excellent environment for the festering of bacteria, which can lead to painful gum disease and cysts. In the worst cases, it can cause inflammation of the jawbones.

Bacteria also produce damaging enzymes that eat away at the enamel of the teeth, which causes cavities. In severe cases, the bacteria produce gases that emit a nasty odor from the mouth.

Some researchers have found that tooth decay is rapid when a dry brush is used, and that wetting one’s toothbrush mitigates the damage. The twig should be dampened before use but if there is no alternative, the saliva will do the job.

COOL FACT: Prophet SAW made flossing hip way before it was discovered and practiced in the Western world. Let’s reclaim it!

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO USE MISWAK

We should clean our teeth at least twice a day. It is a must to clean them before sleeping and upon waking in the morning. However, there is no limit to how often you can and should use miswak. Considering the hadith ‘Siwaak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord’, we should use it as often as possible.

Aisha (RA) was asked what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did when he first came home. She said, “When he entered his house, the first thing he would do was to use the siwaak.” (Al-Muslim)

Islamic scholars also recommended using it before performing prayer and recitation of the Qur’an considering angels are present on such occasions. I find this level of consciousness spiritually exhilarating.

People often ask about the use of miswak while fasting. There is no confusion on the matter. The Prophet SAW used miswak while fasting and did not forbid it. In fact, don’t we need to use it more while fasting considering long abstention from food and drink causes odor?

STORAGE AND CLEANING

Miswak should be kept in a clean place away from sink, toilet and unclean surfaces. It is best to keep it in a clean cup in a cool environment like the refrigerator or kitchen counter. You can also carry it with you in a clean plastic bag or a capsule specific for the purpose.

It is best to wash or dampen the twig before using it. Once the fibers are too long, they can either be trimmed with scissors or simply torn off with your teeth (hey, oral muscle exercise!)

Don’t leave it in a damp environment or it will develop fungus (I learned this lesson the hard way).

Miswak is safe to rub over tongue, teeth and gums, thereby being the perfect all-in-one organic product for all your oral hygiene needs.

Miswak extract is also used in toothpowders and toothpastes but I personally prefer the use of twig itself. It gives a satisfyingly clean feeling, and a polish to the teeth like none other.

You really have to try it!