The Excellence of
using Miswak (Tooth-Stick)
Selections
from Riyadh us Saaliheen
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,
"Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded
them to use the Miswak (tooth-stick) before every Salat.'' [Al-Bukhari
and Muslim].
Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that the Prophet (SAW) liked
to clean his teeth with Miswak (a softened stick used as tooth brush
for cleaning the teeth) with every Salat, but he did not made it
obligatory for the reason that it would be inconvenient for his
followers. It shows that he was extremely affectionate and kind to
his Ummah.
This Hadith also shows that using Miswak is an admirable act. Every
Muslim should make it a routine to use it as frequently as possible
especially before performing prayers.
Hudaifah (RA) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (SAW) got up
(from sleep), he would rub his teeth with Miswak (tooth-stick).[Al-Bukhari
and Muslim].
Commentary: When a person awakes from sleep, he has an unpleasant
breath because of the smell in his mouth. For this reason, the
Prophet (SAW) would cleanse his teeth with Miswak. We should also
follow him and make this Sunnah a routine.
`Aishah (Ra) reported: We used to prepare for the Messenger of Allah
(SAW) a Miswak (tooth-stick) and the water for making Wudu'.
Whenever Allah wished to awaken him from sleep at night, he (SAW)
would brush his teeth with Miswak, make Wudu', and perform Salat.
[Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith shows how particular the Prophet (SAW) was
about using Miswak. Besides pointing out the importance of Miswak,
it also throws light on the noble conduct of the wives of the
Prophet (SAW) as it shows how keen they were about his needs, habits
and temperament.
Anas (RA)reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "I stress upon
you to use Miswak (tooth-stick).''[Al-Bukhari].
Shuraih bin Hani (RA) reported: I asked `Aishah (Ra): "What was the
first thing which the Prophet (SAW) would do when he entered his
house?'' She replied: "He would use Miswak (tooth-stick).''[Muslim].
Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (RA) reported: I came to the Prophet (SAW) once
and noticed the tip of Miswak (tooth-stick) on his tongue.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
`Aishah (Ra) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, "The Miswak
(tooth-stick) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Rubb.''
[An-Nasa'i and Ibn Khuzaimah].
Commentary: "Mataharah'' means a medium and means of purification. "Mitaharah"
means an instrument/tool for purification. In other words, on the
one side, Miswak is a means of cleaning and purifying the mouth, and
on the other, a way to attain the Pleasure of Allah.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, "There are five
acts which conform to the pure nature: Circumcision, removing of the
pubic hair, clipping the nails, plucking the underarm hair and
trimming the moustache.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: "Fitrah" literally means beginning, innovation,
invention or making something altogether new, but here it means
instinct or such nature or disposition which is inborn. Some people
have defined it as that old way which was liked by all the Prophets
and on which all the Divine laws had full agreement. That is to say,
they are natural to man. In any case, one should adopt all these
five good qualities in such a way as if they are a part of his
nature. Moreover, they are also highly important from the point of
view of cleanliness and purification.
`Aishah (Ra) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "There are
ten demands of pure nature: trimming the moustache, letting the
beard grow, using Miswak (tooth-stick), snuffing up water into the
nose (in ablution), paring the nails, washing the bases of the
finger joints; plucking the underarm hair, removing of the pubic
hair and removing impurities with water from the affected part after
a call of nature.''
The subnarrator said: I forgot the tenth but it might possibly be
the rinsing of the mouth (in ablution). [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us about ten qualities which are
natural to human beings. Some `Ulama' are of the opinion that the
tenth quality among them is circumcision. Anyway, the importance of
these ten qualities and the stress on them are evident. The first
thing among them is the trimming of moustache. This is Sunnah of the
Prophet (SAW) and is meant to cut the projected hair on the upper
lip.
2. In the opinion of `Ulama', keeping the beard is compulsory but
its extent is not determined. On the basis of Ibn `Umar's practice,
some `Ulama' hold that the size of handful is essential and beyond
that cutting is permissible, or according to a weak narration some
consider its trimming towards length and breadth quite fair. But
this opinion is not correct. In the words of Al-Bukhari and Muslim,
the Prophet (SAW) used five words for it which are (a'fu, aufu,
arkhu, arju, waq'iru) and all of them have similar meanings that the
beard should be left alone on natural growth. But, for a few
exceptional cases, the common injunction in this behalf is that one
should keep full beard. One should neither trim it in length and
breadth nor make it handful in size. One can, however, bring it to a
normal size in case of its wild growth if one fears that it will
cause derision and laughter.
3,4. The Miswak and the rinsing of mouth, and putting water into the
nostrils are necessary for Wudu'. "Istinshaq'' means to draw water
with full force in the nostrils as one does for smelling perfume.
Except during Saum, Istinshaq is stressed in Wudu'.
5. Paring of the nails is also necessary for cleanliness. If this is
not done, filthy matter will go to the mouth through the nails. The
fashion of keeping long nails, similar to beasts and animals, now in
vogue in women as well as men is not only against nature but is also
a sign of beastliness and ferocity.
6. The washing of the joints of fingers is also necessary for
cleanliness.
7,8. The removal of the underarm hair and below the naval is an
integral part of cleanliness and inordinate delay in it is disliked.
According to a Hadith, delay in it beyond forty days is disgusting.
9. Cleaning with water after evacuation is a must for purification
because one cannot perform Salat without it. It is permissible to
use clod or toilet tissue, etc., but such things used for this
purpose should be odd in number, i.e., 3,5,7. But it is better to
follow this with water, as water is a natural cleanser.
10. Circumcision is also an old tradition or practice. According to
the general opinion of `Ulama', it is obligatory. Some of them are
of the view that it is desirable on the seventh day. It is, however,
permissible afterwards.
To read more about the benefits of miswak and to order a free
miswak go to
www.miraclebrush.com
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