The Overlooked Sunnah of Miswak and Its Blessings
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ, dear brothers and sisters, This is my first share - hope it benefits you. 25 Blessings of Miswak (summarised from Haashiyah Tahtaawi): 1. Make using the blessed Miswak a habit. Don’t be negligent; it brings the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلّ. 2. Regular Miswak use helps ease means of livelihood and brings barakah in sustenance. 3. It can relieve headaches. 4. It helps remove phlegm. 5. It may improve eyesight. 6. It supports proper stomach function. 7. It gives the user more energy. 8. It can help memory and sharpen the mind. 9. It purifies the heart. 10. It increases good deeds. 11. Angels are pleased. 12. Miswak displeases Shaytan. 13. It aids digestion. 14. It can increase the number of children. 15. It may delay signs of aging. 16. It strengthens the back. 17. It gives strength to obey Allah عَزَّوَجَلّ. 18. It brings ease at the time of death and reminds one of the Kalimah. 19. The record of deeds may be given in the right hand of the Miswak-user. 20. It helps one cross the Siraat quickly. 21. It assists in the fulfilment of needs. 22. It brings peace and comfort in the grave. 23. The gates of Paradise are opened for him. 24. One departs this world in a state of purity. 25. The greatest benefit: the pleasure of Allah Almighty is connected to it. Some short duas to say when using Miswak (optional): - O Allah, cleanse my mouth, enlighten my heart, purify my body, make the fire of Hell forbidden for me by Your Mercy, and include me among the righteous. - O Allah, whiten my teeth, strengthen my gums and throat, and grant blessings through this, O Most Merciful. Health notes on Miswak: - Mouth sores from stomach acidity can spread bacteria; using a fresh Miswak and the saliva it produces may help, InshaAllah. - For yellowing or loss of tooth sheen, a Miswak with new bristles can be useful. - Miswak removes bad odors and bacteria, helping prevent various illnesses. - Various studies have noted Miswak’s effectiveness: it can remove more harmful bacteria than some other methods; its bristles directly remove bacteria; used correctly it cleans teeth and strengthens gums; regular users report less gum bleeding; substances in Miswak protect teeth from weakening; it helps remove plaque and protects against chipping; and it can help relieve phlegm for those with persistent colds. Selected hadith and reports on Miswak: - Performing prayer after using Miswak is said to be of much greater reward than praying without it. - The Prophet ﷺ recommended Miswak among other simple Sunnahs like applying fragrance and modesty. - A narration mentions there is a cure for every illness in Miswak except death. - The Prophet ﷺ said he would have ordered Miswak with every wudu if it were not burdensome for the ummah (Sahih al-Bukhari). - A narration from Sayyidina Ali رضي الله عنه states that when one uses Miswak then stands to pray, an angel listens to the recitation and draws near; so purify the mouth when reciting Quran (reported in Musnad al-Bazzar; graded halal to cite by some scholars). On memory: Sayyidina Ali رضي الله عنه mentioned three things that strengthen memory and remove phlegm: (1) Miswak, (2) fasting, (3) recitation of the Glorious Quran. May Allah grant us guidance to follow this blessed Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Ameen.