Islamic Etiquette of Teeth Brushing and Cleaning Imam al-Sadiq

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Islamic Etiquette of Teeth Brushing and Cleaning
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: "Washing the clothes takes away distress, and it is a part of the
purification ritual before meditation." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.40]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said to Anas (a companion): " O, Anas! Purify yourself more frequently and
Allah will grant you a long life; and if you are able to be pure throughout the day, do it, for you
will have the reward of a martyr if you die pure." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.40]
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: " He who performs wodu' (the minor ritual ablution of certain parts of
the body) and dries it with a handkerchief afterwards, will have one good deed reckoned to his
credit; and he who performs wodu' and leaves the wetness to dry by itself, will have thirty good
deeds reckoned to his credit."
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " Using the miswak(teeth brushing) has twelve benefits: It is a part of
the Tradition, it cleans the mouth, clarifies the vision, pleases Allah, whitens the teeth, eliminates
the cavities, hardens the gum, increases the appetite, removes the phlegm, sharpens the memory,
doubles the reward for good deeds and it also delights the angels." [Reference: Al-Khisal]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " Gabriel kept advising me of using the miswak." [Wasa'il al-Shi'a]
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: " Using the miswak is among the norms of the Messengers." [Wasa'il
al-Shi'a]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " Gabriel kept advising me of using the miswak, I even feared that he
will make it an obligatory practice." [Wasa'il al-Shi'a]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " Clean the Koran's route." What is the Koran's route?" they said. He
said: " Your mouths". " With what?" They asked. " With miswak" He replied. [Wasa'il al-Shi'a]
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: " When you get up for the Night's Prayer, brush your teeth, for the
angel comes to you and puts his mouth over yours so that he takes up to heaven every letter you
recite and pronounce. So, let your mouth be sweet-smelling." [Wasa'il al-Shi'a Sh.2, pp.22]
The Prophet (s.a.w) used to brush his teeth with miswak for every obligatory prayer." [Wasa'il
al-Shi'a Ch.2, pp.21]
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: "Beware of using miswak in the bathroom because it causes teeth
infection." [Wasa'il al-Shi'a Ch.2, pp.26]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " Cleanse your mouths, for they are the passageways of tasbeeh
(glorifying the Lord)." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.51]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " He who trims his nail on Friday will have Allah take out a malady
from, and brings in a remedy into his fingertips (or toe tips)." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.64]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " Trimming the nails on Saturdays and on Thursdays, and taking in the
moustache, guards against toothache and eye pain." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.64]
According to Imam al-Sadiq (a.s): " Trimming the nails, cutting back the moustache and washing
the head with marshmallow (the plant) on Fridays, precludes poverty and increases the income."
[Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.64]
According to imam al-Baqir (a.s): " When you trim your nails on Friday, start with the left little
finger and finish up with the right little finger." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.66]
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: " He who trims his nails on Thursday and leaves one for Friday, will
have Allah exclude him from being impoverished." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.65]
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a.s) said: " A man should burry his cut-off nails and hair; it is a sunna
(Traditional practice)." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.66]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " Do not let your moustache grow long, for Satan will use it as a hiding
place." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.67]
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: " Trim your moustaches and leave your beards to grow; do not copy the
Jews." [Makarim al-Akhlaq pp.67]
The Prophet (s.a.w) used to comb his beard forty times from below and seven times from above
and say. " It increases the intellect and cuts off the phlegm." [Makarim al-Akhlaq]

Miswak
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 v
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The miswak (miswaak, siwak, sewak, كاوسلا) is a teeth cleaning twig made from a twig of the
Salvadora persica tree (known as arak in Arabic). A traditional alternative to the modern
toothbrush, it has a long, well-documented history and is reputed for its medicinal benefits.[1] It
also features prominently in Islamic hygienical jurisprudence.
Contents
 1 History
 2 Science
o 2.1 Studies
o 2.2 Miswak extract vs. oral disinfectants
 3 Religious prescriptions
 4 Examples of hadith concerning the miswak
 5 Maintenance
 6 References
 7 Further reading
 8 External links
History
The miswak is predominant in Muslim-inhabited areas, but its use predates the inception of
Islam. The stick's use has spread from the Middle East to South and Southeast Asia, where it is
known as Kayu Sugi (Malay for 'chewing stick'). It is often mentioned that the Islamic Prophet
Muhammad recommended its use. He is quoted in various Hadith extolling the twig's virtues:
“ "Were it not that I might over-burden the Believers I would have ordered them to use ”
Siwak (Miswak) at the time of every Prayer."[1]
“ "Four things are from among the practices of the Prophets: Circumcision, Perfume, ”
Miswak, and Marriage."[1]
“ "Make a regular practice of Miswak for verily it is the purification for the mouth and ”
a means of the pleasure of the Lord."[1]
Science
Studies
Traditional miswak sticks. Softened bristles on either end can be used to clean the teeth.
A 2003 scientific study comparing the use of miswak with ordinary toothbrushes concluded that
the results clearly were in favor of the users who had been using the miswak, provided they had
been given proper instruction in how to brush using it.[2] The World Health Organization (WHO)
recommended the use of the miswak in 1986 and in 2000 an international consensus report on
oral hygiene concluded that further research was needed to document the effect of the miswak.[3]
Dr. Rami Mohammed Diabi,[4] who spent more than 17 years researching the effects of miswak
on health, and especially its anti-addiction effects on smokers (curative and preventive sides),
has opened a field of science and research with his last publication: "Miswak Medicine Theory"
or Sewak Puncture medicine[5] which led him to what is called Beyond Sewak: World of Science
and Research.[6] Miswak also is contributing in the fight against desertification,[7] thereby
affecting our environment and global climate.
Miswak extract vs. oral disinfectants
Studies indicate that Salvadora persica extract is somewhat comparable to other oral disinfectants
and anti-plaque agents like Triclosan and Chlorhexidine Gluconate if used at a very high
concentration.[8][9]
Religious prescriptions
The use of the miswak is frequently advocated in the hadith (the traditions relating to the life of
Muhammad). Situations where the miswak is recommended to be used include, before religious
practice, before entering one's house, before and after going on a journey, on Fridays,[10] before
sleeping and after waking up, when experiencing hunger or thirst and before entering any good
gathering.
In addition to strengthening the gums, preventing tooth decay and eliminating toothaches, the
miswak is also said to halt further increase in decay that has already set in. Furthermore, it is said
to create a fragrance in the mouth, eliminate bad breath, improve sensitivity of taste-buds and
promote cleaner teeth.
Examples of hadith concerning the miswak
From Sahih al-Bukhari:
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet said, "If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should
complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by God." Narrated 'Amir
bin Rabi'a, "I saw the Prophet cleaning his teeth with Siwak while he was fasting so many times
as I can't count." And narrated Abu Huraira, "The Prophet said, 'But for my fear that it would be
hard for my followers, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak on every
performance of ablution." The same is narrated by Jabir and Zaid bin Khalid from the Prophet
who did not differentiate between a fasting and a nonfasting person in this respect (using Siwak).
Aisha said, "The Prophet said, "It (i.e. Siwak) is a purification for the mouth and it is a way of
seeking the acceptance of God." Ata' and Qatada said, "There is no harm in swallowing the
resultant saliva." Narrated Abu Burda: My father said, "I came to the Prophet and saw him
carrying a Siwak in his hand and cleansing his teeth.
From Sahih Muslim:
'Abd al-Rahman son of Abu Sa`id al-Khudri reported on the authority of his father that the
Messenger of God said: Bathing on Friday for every adult, using of Miswak and applying some
perfume or cologne, that is available-these are essential.
Maintenance
A miswak should be one hand span in length when selected. If it becomes dry, it should be
soaked in rose water to soften the end bristles. The end should be cut afresh to ensure hygiene
and should never be stored near a toilet or sink. The brush may be created by cutting Salvadora
persica's branches instead of its roots (as done in the Sudan), keeping in mind that the tree's roots
can retain humidity more so than its branches. This favors more long-term usage.
There is also a toothpaste made from miswak extract that can be purchased in the Middle East,
South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. Use of toothpastes featuring benefits of
miswak is, however, not a true alternate practice of using miswak in its original shape and in the
masnoon way. Some companies, such as Al Khair and AL Falah, have also taken the initiative to
process and preserve miswak in vacuum bags. This has the effect of increasing the twig's shelf
life to a period of over six months.

The Miswaak Page
Guidelines and Information
From Kitabut Tahaarah and Sunnats
Compiled by Islam.tc
MISWAAK - twigs of certain trees that are used on a regular basis by Muslims
for centuries (and all Prophets Peace upon Them) to maintain oral hygiene and
gain the pleasure of Allah SWT. It is a "natural toothbrush." Not only does it
provide spiritual benefits, but it is also beneficial to the everyday maintenance
of one's mouth, gums, and teeth.

Contents
I. Miswaak Quick View of Benefits

II. Miswaak: The Whole Story
History of the Miswaak
The Importance of the Miswaak in Islam
Use of Miswaak: When Entering the Home | Leaving the Home | Reciting the Holy Qur'an | On Fridays |
When Fasting
The Sahabas and the Miswaak
The Ulama and Miswaak
Respects to be Observed
Types of Miswaaks
Recite this Dua When Using Miswaak
Guidlines for Use
Advantages and Benefits: Eliminates Odor | Sharpens the Memory | Sharpens the Intelligence | Many
More...
Substitutes for the Miswaak

Where Can I get Siwak/Miswaak? Try http://www.ufionline.com - contact them by phone or email. (I have no assocation with them).
III. Go back to the Main Page: Topics in Islam

I. Miswaak Quick View of Benefits:
Advantages of the Miswaak:
1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already
set in.
3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.
4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.
5. Miswaak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.
6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.
7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.
10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.
11. Miswaak assists in digestion.
12. Miswaak clears the voice.
13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.
14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.
Times when usage of Miswaak is Sunnah:
1. For the recitation of the Qur'an.
2. For the recitation of Hadith.
3. When the mouth emits and odor.
4. For the learning or teaching of virtues of Islaam.
5. For making Dhikrullah (Remebrance of Allah, meditation).
6. After entering ones home.
7. Before entering any good gathering.
8. When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.
9. After the signs of death are evident.
10. At the time of Sehri.
11. Before meals.
12. Before undertaking a journey.
13. On returning from a journey.
14. Before sleeping.
15. Upon awakening.
How long should a Miswaak be?
A Miswaak should not be longer than a "span" i.e. the maximum distance between the tips of the thumb
and little finger, and it should not be thicker than a finger's breadth.
How should it be used?
A Miswaak should be held in such a manner that the small finger and thumb is below the miswaak and
the remaining fingers on its upper side.
So, dear friends, do you see how easy it is to gain the pleasure of Allah SWT and also stay in good
health?!
So... GET YOURS TODAY!
Now let's get into more details...

II. Miswaak: The Whole Story

THE MISWAAK
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) laid great stress on the use of the Miswaak (a tree-twig used for
cleansing the teeth). One of the Sunnats of Wudhu is to use a Miswaak. Wherever a Miswaak is available
and is not used, the full beauty and complete Sawaab of the Wudhu is not realised. There are numerous
benefits and advantages in using a Miswaak.
HISTORY OF THE MISWAAK
The Miswaak, a tree-twig, was in use for brushing and cleansing the teeth long before the advent of our
Holy Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). In fact the records of our Nabi Muhummad's (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam) Ahadith indicate that the Miswaak was the "Sunnah" or practice of all the Ambiyaa (Prophets
of Allah)—Peace be upon them.
"Abu Ayyub (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'Four things are amongst the practices of the Ambiyaa —circumcision, application of perfume, Miswaak
and marriage'."
(AHMAD AND TIRMIZI)
Several other Ahadith of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) also mention the Miswaak to have been
the practice of the Prophets (Upon Whom Be Peace). Thus, we can safely claim that the practice of using
the Miswaak is as old as mankind itself since Mankind's origin on the planet was with the appearance of
the first Nabi of Allah, viz. Adam (A.S.). Therefore, among the many advantages and benefits of using the
Miswaak, one of the greatest benefits is the good-fortune of being associated with the Ambiyaa in this
holy practice. On the other hand, those who neglect the use of the Miswaak invite upon themselves a
great misfortune by being deprived of the tremendous amount of Sawaab (Reward) which this noble
practice carries.
Allamah Ibn Ismail says:
"It surprises me how people could forgo such a great Sunnah, the significance of which many Ahadith of
our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) explain. Remember that it is a great loss to neglect the Miswaak."
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISWAAK IN ISLAM
Islam has accorded an elevated status to the Miswaak. Its importance has been stressed in many Ahadith
of our Holy Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). The statements and examples of the Sahaba and the
Ulama of Islam regarding this practice bear testimony in abundance of the significance of the Miswaak.
Ibn Umar (R) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'Make a regular practice of the Miswaak, for verily, it is healthy for the mouth and it is a Pleasure for the
Creator (i.e. Allah is pleased with the Muslim who uses the Miswaak)'."
(BUKHARI)
It is clear from this Hadith that two types of benefits accrue from the use of the Miswaak. These could be
categorised as follows:
(1) UKHRAWI or Benefits which relate to the Hereafter;
(2) DUNYAWI or Benefits which relate to this worldly life.
The Ukhrawi category comprises the various Sawaabs (Rewards) which the Servant of Allah will obtain in
the Hereafter for using the Miswaak. The Dunyawi category comprises the immediate benefits or
advantages accruing to the physical human body by the constant use of the Miswaak.
The prime motive of the true Believer in his use of the Miswaak is his desire to obtain the first category of
Benefits, i.e. Ukhrawi, the obtainal of the second category being a necessary corollary. This is so, since
the only factor which governs the motive and intention of the Believer in his Ibaadat (Worship) is the
Pleasure of Allah, our Creator, Nourisher and Sustainer. Hadhrat Ali (R), the fourth Khalif of Islam said:
"Make the Miswaak (i.e. its use) incumbent upon you, and be constant in this practice because Allah's
Pleasure is in it and it increases the Reward of Salat from ninety-nine times to four hundred times."
In fact, the importance of the Miswaak is such that at one stage our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)
was under the impression that Allah Ta'aala might decree the use of the Miswaak Fardh (compulsory)
upon the Ummah (Islamic Nation).
Abu Umamah (R) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'Use the Miswaak, for verily, it purifies the mouth, and it is a Pleasure for the Lord. Jib-ra-eel (A.S.)
exhorted me so much to use the Miswaak that I feared that its use would be decreed obligatory upon me
and upon my Ummah. If I did not fear imposing hardship on my Ummah I would have made its use
obligatory upon my people. Verily, I use the Miswaak so much that I fear the front part of my mouth being
peeled (by constant and abundant brushing with the Miswaak)'."
(IBN MAJAH)
"Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: 'Was it not for my fear of
imposing a difficulty on my Ummah I would have ordered that the Miswaak be used for every Salaat'."
(BUKHARI)
Hadith:
Hadhrat Shah Waliullah (R) relates the following
"The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'I was commanded to use the Miswaak to such an extent that I thought the Miswaak would be made
obligatory'."
(AHMAD and TIBRANI)
Ibn Abbas (R) narrates the following Hadith:

"The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
'I was commanded so much to use the Miswaak that I thought Wahi of the Qurtaan (Revelation) would be
revealed, regarding it (i.e. its use)'."
(ABU YA'LAA)
Although the use of the Miswaak was not made Fardh (compulsory) upon the Ummah, nevertheless its
use was Fardh upon our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). This is borne out by the following Hadith: