MISWAK: A FORGOTTEN HABIT THAT TAKES SECONDS BUT PLEASES ALLAH
Sunnah Saturday with 3sixtyislam
At 3sixtyislam, we take a moment to spotlight a Sunnah that may have been forgotten or overlooked.
Today, we’re reflecting on one of the simplest yet most beloved practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: the miswak.
What is the Miswak?
The miswak is a natural tooth-stick made from the Salvadora persica tree (also called the arak tree). The Prophet ﷺ regularly used it to clean his teeth and emphasized its importance not just for hygiene, but as a spiritual practice.
“If I had not found it hard for my Ummah, I would have ordered them to use the miswak (tooth-stick) before every prayer.”
[Bukhari]
This shows how dear the miswak was to our beloved Prophet ﷺ.
Why the Miswak Matters More Than Just Clean Teeth
While modern toothbrushes offer similar hygiene benefits, the intention behind the miswak is what sets it apart. Using the miswak with the aim of following the Sunnah earns you reward, even in the smallest of moments.
Benefits of the Miswak in Islam:
- It purifies the mouth
- It pleases Allah
- It follows the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
- It prepares you spiritually before Salah
- It contributes to physical cleanliness, which is half of faith (الطُّهُورُ شَطْرُ الْإِيمَانِ)
Even if you use a toothbrush, start with the intention of reviving the Sunnah and you’ll still gain the reward, insha’Allah.
🕌 When Should You Use the Miswak?
The Prophet ﷺ used the miswak at several key moments:
- Before Salah (prayer)
- Before reciting Qur’an
- Upon waking up
- Before entering the home
- Before making wudhu
Incorporating it into these moments makes your routine more prophetic, and transforms the ordinary into acts of worship.
How to Get Started
If you’ve never used a miswak before, it’s very easy:
- Soften the tip by chewing it gently.
- Use short strokes to brush your teeth similar to a regular toothbrush.
- Cut the used tip every few days and start with a fresh one.
You can find miswaks in most Islamic stores or online. Choose one from the arak tree if possible, as that’s what the Prophet ﷺ used.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Islam lies in its simplicity even cleaning your teeth can be a source of reward if done with the right intention. As we revive the Sunnah of the miswak this Saturday, let’s remember that no deed is too small when done with love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
🤲 May Allah help us revive the Sunnah in our daily lives and make us among those who walk in the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ even in the tiniest details.
