What is Miswak and How to Use it?

Oral hygiene holds great importance because mouth is the cause of many infectious and painful teeth and gum diseases. In today’s world, diseases of teeth and gums are quite common due to lifestyle and other factors such as the environment. While there are many formulated options to clean and maintain oral hygiene daily, there is a natural yet most effective method to protect and strengthen your teeth.

In this article, we will discuss the miswak stick, a root used as a natural toothbrush passed down from our ancestors to their ancestors and has been used by people for over 7000 years.

Part 1: What is Miswak?

Part 2: What is Miswak made from?

Part 3: Sunnah of Using Miswak

Part 4: How to Use a Miswak?

Part 5: Benefits of using a Miswak

Part 1: What is Miswak?

Miswak is a pencil-sized twig used as a natural toothbrush for cleaning teeth and gums. It has been used for thousands of years before modern science came into being and was majorly used by the people of Arab. It is also well known for the benefits it offers as a natural replacement for a toothbrush that is available in abundance, effective and inexpensive.

Various research has been done to study the effect of miswak as an effective solution or whether it is better than toothpaste. Several clinical studies have shown miswak as an equal rather preferable solution than fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwashes as miswak stand-alone offer a two-in-one solution.

Part 2: What is Miswak Made From?

Miswak is a twig from the Salvadora persica tree, also known as “Arak” or toothbrush tree. The sticks of this tree are used as a natural toothbrush that is known as miswak, which offers a chemical and mechanical cleansing system for cleaning teeth.

Part 3: Sunnah of Using Miswak

Miswak was mentioned in the books of hadith and other holy scriptures 14 centuries ago as the only solution for healthy teeth and gums. Islam has been made easier for its followers by the mercy of Allah SWT because Allah wants to make things easier for us.

Everything that is made halal for Muslims holds a significant benefit, and the same is true with all the obligatory prayers and sunnah (a habitual practice) of Hazrat Muhammad SAW.

Islam gives significant attention when it comes to cleanliness, whether of one’s own body, mind, or surroundings; Allah and his prophet SAW emphasize the followers of Islam to pay special attention to cleanliness as it is also clear from some of the ayahs of the Quran.

“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves”

— Quran, 2:222

Miswak offers endless benefits for the mouth and overall health, as has been proved by scientific research now. However, Prophet Muhammad SAW recommended miswak around 14 centuries ago to make it a habit to chew miswak before every obligatory prayer.

Allah’s Messenger said: “If it were not that it would be difficult on my nation, then I would have ordered them to use the Siwak for each prayer.”   

— Reference: Jami at-Tirmidhi 22

According to the companion of Hazrat Muhammad SAW, the use of miswak was a regular practice of Hazrat Muhammad SAW before sleeping, after waking up, before every obligatory prayer, and after entering the home. Prophet SAW also practiced the use of miswak before and after every meal.

Part 4: How to Use a Miswak?

Follow the steps mentioned below to use and earn all the benefits of miswak.

1. Firstly, peel, chew or cut off one side of the miswak stick to reach the inner bristles.
2. Separate the bristles inside the miswak stick by using your thumbs, or you can also chew the bristles to separate them and give them the form of toothbrush bristles.
3. Once the bristles of the toothbrush are separated from each other and are soft, brush your teeth with these bristles in a circular motion.
4. After the bristles of miswak are worn out, repeat the steps mentioned above to reveal fresh bristles of miswak for maximum effectiveness.

Part 5: Benefits of Using a Miswak

It is a firm belief of every Muslim that behind every obligatory or sunnah prayer, there are certain benefits for the one practicing. With the advancement of science, several studies have been done to understand the efficacy of miswak sticks. Many studies have proven miswak as better and even superior option compared to expensive teeth cleaning agents.

Mentioned are some of the significant benefits of miswak that can help you understand why it is a better and more reliable option than chemically formulated toothpaste.

• Gum Protection: Miswak helps in strengthening the gums and teeth, along with preventing tooth decay, toothache, and cavities.
• Bad Breath Eliminator: The use of miswak freshen up the mouth as well as give a unique fragrance to the mouth that, as a result, eliminates the bad breath.
• Affordable and Effective: Miswak offers an all-in-one solution, as a painkiller, mouth freshener, toothpaste, and toothbrush. That makes it an effective, affordable, and handy solution that can be carried everywhere easily.
• Natural Teeth Whitener: Continuous use of miswak helps remove coffee, tea, and other stubborn stains and leads to the natural whitening of teeth.

Conclusion

Now that you have understood what miswak is, where it comes from, its significance in Islam, and its benefits, it is time to take action and move towards an affordable, environmentally friendly, and natural method to clean your teeth.

Because of its pocket-friendliness, anyone can try the miswak stick for themselves, give it a try for at least a month, and experience the difference in your oral health overall. You can order your miswak sticks directly from Darulandlus.pk, and their quick delivery ensures that you receive your order within 2-3 working days.

Give it a try and let us know in the comment box about the changes you have experience.