﷽

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful.

Peace and Blessings of Almighty Allah(ﷻ), be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his blessed descendants and his noble companions.

السلام عليكم ورحمةالله وبركاته○

Siwaak - The Forgotten Sunnah

Alhamdulillaah, we all understand the importance of oral hygiene. Science in the twentieth century has shown us the link between poor oral hygiene and certain diseases such as stroke, heart disease, pre-term babies, as well as general ill-health of a person.

However, while shuffling between electric/sonic toothbrushes, water piks and expensive dental treatments, we forgot that while the rest of mankind just recently discovered the 'toothbrush' about a 100 years ago, one 'unlettered' Prophet (pbuh) living in the middle of a desert 1400 years ago, already showed us the significance of brushing the teeth and keeping the mouth clean

The Prophet (pbuh)'s teeth were beautiful, perfect and pearly white at a time when the concept of oral healthcare was totally obscure and nobody beyond the age of 30 had any teeth left!
He (pbuh) used the 'Siwaak' or tooth stick to clean his teeth, a twig taken from the 'araak' tree found in and around Makkah. He (pbuh) loved to use it and highly encouraged us to do the same.
Ibn Mas'ood said: "I used to gather siwaak sticks from the araak tree for the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh)." (Ahmad-hasan).

Now, I am not telling you to throw out your toothbrushes in the garbage. The Siwaak is an act of worship and a Sunnah for which you will be rewarded, so use it in addition to you toothbrushes, and gain the pleasure of Allaah, Most High.

BENEFITS OF SIWAAK:

1) Siwaak is an act of worship and pleases Allaah

"The Prophet (pbuh) said, 'Siwaak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.'" (Bukhaari)

2) The Prophet (pbuh) highly encouraged it:
Use of the Siwaak is a Sunnah that you will be rewarded for and is greatly encouraged. The Prophet (pbuh) said:

"Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwaak at every time of prayer." (Bukhaari)

3) Medical benefits
While some 'educated' Muslims consider the Siwaak 'barbaric' and 'uncivilized' and look down upon those who use it, scientific studies have proven beyond doubt, that the Siwaak not only brushes the teeth and keeps them white, but also has antibacterial properties, fights gingivitis, eliminates bad breath, strengthens the gums, prevents plaque, helps in digestion, and contributes to the general health of the individual. (Islamic medicine by Dr. Mohammad Nezar al Dagr)

This is yet another proof of the truthfulness of the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh).

TIMES WHEN SIWAAK IS RECOMMENDED

Siwaak is recommended at all times of night and day, but there are certain specific situations where use of the siwaak is even more strongly encouraged.
1)When making wudoo' and at times of prayer.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: "Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my ummah, I would have commanded them to use the siwaak at every time of prayer." According to another report he said: "...at every time of making wudoo'"

2)When entering one's home :

'Aa'ishah said, "When he (pbuh) entered his house, the first thing he would do was to use the Siwaak." (Muslim).

3) When getting up from sleep.

Hudhayfah (RA) said that when the Prophet (pbuh) got up during the night, he would clean his mouth thoroughly with the siwaak.(Bukhaari,Muslim)

4) When the mouth emits odor:
Such as after eating food with a strong odor, like onions or garlic or because of not eating or drinking for a long time, etc.

5) When going to the masjid:
Using siwaak is part of the adornment which we (men only) are commanded to wear for every prayer. It is also important because the angels are present in the mosque, and one is going to meet with other worshippers there.

6)When reading Qur'aan and doing dhikr of Allaah:

7)When joining good gatherings

(8) After the signs of death are evident:
It is reported in Bukhaari that Aaisha (RA) said that the Prophet (pbuh) wanted to and used the Siwaak just before he (pbuh) passed away.

REVIVE THE SUNNAH!

This beautiful Sunnah has been lost in the plethora of toothbrushes and modern technologies, and we have put our Siwaaks aside. We need to revive this great Sunnah. Not only will it earn us a beautiful smile, and a healthy mouth and body, but it will also earn us rewards and the pleasure of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala.

By Asma bint Shameem

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

"سُبْحَانَكَ اللْهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ"

'Glory be to You O Allah, and with Your praise, I testify that there is no God (worthy of worship) except You, I seek Your forgiveness, and I repent to You.'