Miswaak and it's virtues

Ahadith pertaining to the use of Miswaak:

The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said:

“Had I not feared it being difficult on my Ummah I would have ordered them to make miswaak (i.e. I would have made it compulsory.)” (Bukhari 7240)

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said,

"The Miswaak (tooth-stick) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Rabb.”

 Abu Ayyub (RA) narrates that Rasulullah (SAW) said:

“Four things are amongst the practices of the Ambiyaa —circumcision, application of perfume, Miswaak and marriage'." (AHMAD AND TIRMIZI)

How to use a Miswaak:

The method of using the miswaak is one should use it horizontally. If a miswaak is not available then a person is permitted to use his finger but should not make this a habit.

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.

The following duaa should also be recited at the time of using the Miswaak:

“Allahuma Tahir fame wa nawir Qalbee  wa tahir badanee wa haraama jasadee Alan naar.”
Translation: "O Allah, Purify my mouth: Enlighten my heart: Purify my body; And make my body unlawful to the Fire."
(BUNAYAH)

As mentioned earlier, if a Miswaak is not available then a person may use his/her finger instead, however a person should make the intention that the finger is being used as a substitute and InshaAllah the reward will be written.     

Benefits of Miswaak:

Miswaak has many benefits. The smallest benefit is it removes illness and the greatest benefit is it reminds one of Shahada at the time of death. The best miswaak is that of the Arak and then that of the olive.

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 odours and improves the sense of taste.
6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.
7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
8. Miswaak creates noor (lusture) 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.

Occasions when Prophet (SAW) used a miswaak;

MISWAAK UPON ENTERING HOME

Shuraih (RA) narrates that he asked Aisha (R): 'What was the first thing Rasulullah (SAW) did upon entering the house?'

Aisha (RA) replied:  'Rasulullah (SAW) would use the Miswaak'."

(MUSLIM)

MISWAAK BEFORE AND AFTER MEALS

Abu Hurairah (RA) said:

"I have used the Miswaak before sleeping, after rising, before eating and after eating, ever since I heard the Nabi (SAW) advising so'."

(AHMAD)

MISWAAK BEFORE RECITING THE HOLY QUR'AAN

Hadhrat Ali (RA) said:

'Verily, your mouths are the pathways of the Qur'aan (i.e. you recite with your mouth), therefore cleanse your mouth with the Miswaak thoroughly'."

(IBN MAJAH)

MISWAAK WHEN FASTING

Aamir Bin Rabiyah (RA) narrates:

'I have seen Rasulullah (SAW) using the Miswaak many a time while fasting'."

(IBN MAJAH)

All the previous Ahadith of our Nabi (SAW) and the statements of the learned jurists of Islam point clearly to the tremendous importance of the Miswaak in Islam. However, despite its elevated status, significance and importance, this noble practice is neglected and generally discarded by present day Muslims.

Nabi (SAW) said:

"He who holds on firmly to my Sunnah at a time when my Ummah are (grovelling) in corruption will receive a reward of a hundred martyrs."

And, indeed the MISWAAK IS A GREAT SUNNAH.