Among the organs of the human body, the mouth holds a very significant place. Keeping it clean is not only essential for health but also highly emphasized in acts of worship. In Islam, the use of miswak (a natural tooth stick) has been strongly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself regularly used miswak and encouraged his companions to do the same.
In the Light of the Qur’an
Although the Qur’an does not directly mention the word “miswak,” it repeatedly emphasizes cleanliness and purity.
Allah the Almighty says: “Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 222]
This verse highlights that Allah loves those who remain clean and pure. Miswak, as a means of oral hygiene, directly fulfills this teaching.
In the Light of Authentic Hadith
Many narrations of the Prophet ﷺ clearly
mention the benefits and importance of miswak. Some are:
Miswak
before Prayer
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “If
it were not that I might cause hardship to my Ummah, I would have ordered them
to use the Miswak before every prayer.” [Sahih al-Bukhari: 887; Sahih Muslim:
252]
Miswak
Pleases Allah
Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet
ﷺ
said: “The Miswak purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord.” [Sahih al-Bukhari:
193; Sunan an-Nasa’i: 5]
Reward
of Prayer Increases
Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the
Prophet ﷺ
said: “The prayer performed with Miswak is seventy times superior to the prayer
performed without Miswak.” [Musnad Ahmad: 9460; Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 1377]
Protection
from the Punishment of the Grave
Aisha (RA) said: “There are seventy
virtues in Miswak, the least of which is that it protects from the punishment
of the grave.” [Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat by Tabarani: 963 – Hasan]
The
Last Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
Aisha (RA) narrated: “When the
Messenger of Allah ﷺ was on his deathbed, he asked for the Miswak and used it.” [Sahih
al-Bukhari: 890; Sahih Muslim: 253]
Removes
Bad Odor
Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the
Prophet ﷺ
said: “Using the Miswak removes bad odor from the mouth and brings fragrance to
it.” [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 1381; Sunan Ibn Majah: 289]
Sunnah
of the Prophets
Abu Umamah (RA) narrated that the
Prophet ﷺ
said: “Miswak is the Sunnah of the Prophets.” [Musnad Ahmad: 21772; Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahihah: 209]
Health Benefits of Miswak
Apart from its spiritual virtues,
modern science has proven that miswak strengthens gums, prevents tooth decay,
removes harmful bacteria, freshens breath, and protects from oral diseases.
Miswak is not only a tool for oral hygiene but also a Sunnah that brings spiritual reward, divine pleasure, and physical health benefits. The Qur’an emphasizes cleanliness, while authentic hadith show that miswak beautifies worship, pleases Allah, and was a regular practice of the Prophet ﷺ. Therefore, Muslims should revive this Sunnah in daily life and gain both worldly and spiritual benefits.
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