We all grow up learning the importance of keeping our teeth clean and healthy.

What’s interesting is that this is actually a Sunnah of our beloved Nabi ﷺ who would regularly use a twig known as miswak to clean his teeth. Our beloved Nabi ﷺ was in fact so regular with this practice that he would even sleep with it by his bedside and at the time of his demise it was the last thing he used!

Miswak is a fantastic, versatile alternative to traditional toothbrushes and toothpaste, allowing for frequent use without any harm to your teeth. Plus, every time you use it, you earn spiritual rewards! Isn’t that wonderful? It beautifully highlights the benefits of our amazing Islamic practices!

Let’s explore some wonderful occasions to use the miswak, ensuring we do it safely without causing any gum bleeding or breaking our wudhu:

• When you’re learning or teaching about our deen, or just before joining a positive gathering.
• While engaging in dhikr of Allah Ta’ala, reciting the beautiful Qur’an, or reading a Hadeeth.
• Before you drift off to sleep and immediately upon waking up.
• Before setting off on a journey, when you return home, and as you enter your house.
• Before meals, especially during sehri.
• Anytime you feel hungry or thirsty.
• Even when the signs of death are approaching.
• When performing wudhu and just before any salah.

Now, let’s talk about the incredible benefits of using miswak. Believe it or not, there are over 70 advantages! Here are just a few that truly stand out:

• It brings pleasure to Allah Ta’ala while displeasing shaytaan.
• It amplifies the rewards of salah by an amazing 70 times!
• It freshens your breath and enhances your sense of taste.
• It sharpens your memory and boosts your cognitive function.
• It serves as a remedy for oral diseases and headaches.
• It strengthens your gums, prevents tooth decay, alleviates toothaches, and halts any developing dental issues.
• It supports digestion and helps clear your voice.
• It even strengthens your eyesight!

To use the miswak effectively, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose a miswak that’s the perfect length—about a full hand span from your little finger to your thumb.
2. Hold the miswak securely by placing your little finger and thumb on the underside and the three middle fingers on the upper side.
3. Start brushing your top teeth from the right side, moving horizontally across to the left, then do the same for your bottom teeth.

Let’s wholeheartedly embrace the wonderful practice of using miswak! Not only will we enjoy a multitude of benefits, but we’ll also honor a beautiful tradition from our beloved Nabi ﷺ. Together, we can cultivate healthy habits and experience incredible spiritual rewards!

Here are some fascinating facts about miswak:

• Miswak, also known as siwak, is affectionately called ‘nature’s little toothbrush’ or ‘chewing stick’!
• The finest miswak comes from the ‘arak’ or ‘peelu’ tree, scientifically known as Salvadora Persica, and olive tree miswak is also an excellent choice.

Let’s inspire each other on this journey!