Stick To the Sunnah
Have you ever heard of a dental tool, which is the perfect amalgamation of a toothbrush and tooth paste? Also, do you think such a device actually exists?
Well, the answers to these two questions are: first of all, yes; and secondly, it does; and it’s in the form of a simple twig called the miswak.
Known as the ‘natural toothbrush’, or ‘chewing stick’, the miswak is a naturally fortified twig originating from the Salvadora Persica tree (also known as the ‘arak’ or ‘peelu’ tree). Other trees on which such twigs can be found on include the olive, walnut and other trees with bitter roots. The miswak was used by the Arabs over 1400 years ago to maintain a high level of oral hygiene. Aswell as being a valuable tool for the maintenance of good oral health, it has, according to some literature, many other benefits, including improving memory and eye sight. According to many traditions (hadith), using the miswak was a practice which was advocated by the Prophet Muhammad, who himself had habitually used it.
Scientific evidence which attest to the effectiveness of the miswak in improving and maintaining a high level of oral hygiene.
Apparently, it helps:
·Fight gum disease
·Fight dental caries
·Freshen breath
·Provide effective cleaning in between teeth due to the parallel bristles
·Maintain the moisture of the mouth by increasing salivation
·Has other beneficial ingredients which are not normally found in toothpastes
·Has natural disinfectants which neutralise acid which causes tooth decay, bleeding gums; and heals those microscopic cuts which exist in the gums.
·Contains minerals such as Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium, Sodium Bicarbonate and Calcium Oxides which act as cleaning agents.
·Is naturally scented with oils that make up 17% of the material
·Has Enzymes which prevent the accumulation of plaque, which causes gum disease and premature tooth loss
Sofrata et al (2008) found out in an in-vitro study that the miswak has many volatile active anti bacterial compounds, which aid in combating periodontitis and dental caries.
Al Samh and Al Bagieh (1996) carried out a study into the miswaks anti bacterial and anti mycotic effect and found out that a 50% concentration of miswak extract had a bacteriocidal and fungistatic effect.
A similar study was carried out by scientists at Pharba Basle Ltd on the effectiveness of the miswak in combating bacteria, and discovered that its antibacterial agents are effective for fighting infection and tooth decay.
Baeshen et al (2008) found out after undertaking in vitro and in vivo studies, that miswaks produce a rapid release of fluoride.
Al Otaibi et al (2003) concluded from comparative research into the effects of plaque removal and gingival health between miswaks and toothbrushes, and found out that when correctly used, the miswak is more effective than the conventional toothbrush.
In addition to its health benefits, the miswak also has the added value of providing manyspiritual benefits to the user. Do you ever see spiritual benefits provided by the conventional toothbrush and toothpaste? Most certainly not!
One of the many virtues of using the miswak is that is a replication of a practice of the previous prophets as the following hadith relates:
Malih Ibn Abdullah al Khatami narrates that the Prophet Muhammad said:
“Five things are from the sunnah (practices) of the prophets: Modesty, forebarence, cupping, using the siwak (miswak) and applying scent” (Tabarani).
The Prophet Muhammad in a hadith cited in Bukhari combined both the health and spiritual benefits of using the miswak, saying that it is a “cleanser of the mouth, thus being a pleasure to the Lord”.
According to Maulana Muhammad Zakariya Khandalavi in his book ‘Faizal E Amaal’, the person who uses the miswak dies with the Shaada on his lips [p.15, Importance of Saalah (prayer)].
All these health benefits were mentioned over 1400 years ago!
Furthermore, Jabir Ibn Abi Talib states the miswaks effectiveness in removing yellow stains from teeth, “A group of people came to the Prophet Muhammad and he (the Prophet) said to them “Why is it I see you with yellow teeth? Use the siwak (miswak).”
Also, in a hadith cited in al-Bayhaqi in Shuab al-Imran and al-Fayd al Qadir, the miswaks’ health benefits are mentioned and include: elimination of bad breath; strengthening of teeth and gums; relief from headaches; elimination of molar pain; improves eyesight; eliminates scurvy, phlegm and generally keeps teeth clean.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly used the miswak to clean his mouth and emphasised using it, as related the hadith below cited in Bukhari:
“Had it not been for placing my ummah (followers) in difficulty, I would have commanded them to use the siwak at the time of each saalah.”
It is known that bad breath and bits of food stuck in between the teeth are not just embarrassing, it’s unhygienic. Owing to its parallel bristles, the miswak is effective at removing bits of food that are stuck between the teeth. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad used to clean his teeth with a miswak before each prayer.
Here are some guidelines on how to use a miswak:
First of all, just like all practices in Islam, one must make the intention. According to hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said:
“There is no action for him who has no intention and no reward for him who has no expectation” (Anas Bin Malik in al-Bayhaqi in al-Kuba).
After that, wet the miswak; bite on the end and remove the bark to reveal the inner layer; flatten the inner layer until it becomes like a brush; wet it again and put it in your mouth and start brushing from the right hand side of the mouth, working your way to the left.
According to the jurist Ibn Nujum, the upper teeth and palate should be brushed first three times before the bottom ones in the aforementioned manner. It should also be washed before cleaning a different area (Al Bahr ar Raiq). It must, however, be emphasised that whilst using the miswak, there must be no blood flow from the gums otherwise whudu will void – so careful usage is advocated.
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