Miswak

Abu Hurairah r.a narrates that Rasulullah s.a.w 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].

"Ibn Umar r.a narrates that the Rasulullah s.a.w said: 'Make a regular practice of the Miswaak, for verily, it is healthy for the mouth and it is a Pleasure for the Creator (i.e. Allah is pleased with the Muslim who uses the Miswaak)'." (BUKHARI)

Aa`isha r.a narrates that Rasulullah s.a.w said: The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it. Aa’isha r.a narrates from Nabi s.a.w: “Two Raka’aats of Salaah after using the Miswaak is more beloved unto me than seventy Raka’aats without Miswaak.” (As Sunanul Kubraa)

ADAB (Etiquette) OF THE MISWAAK
(1) The Miswaak should be a straight twig (small branch) and clean
(2) The Miswaak should not be too hard/roughness nor too soft.
(3) The new Miswaak should be approximately 8 inches (a hand-span) in length.
(4) The Miswaak should be the thickness of the forefinger.
(5) Before and after using the Miswaak, it should be washed.
(6) The Miswaak should not be sucked.
(7) The Miswaak should be placed vertically when not in use.
(8) If the Miswaak is dry it should be moistened with water prior to use.This is Mustahab. (It is preferable to moisten it with Rose water)
(9) The Miswaak should not be used at both ends.
(10) The Miswaak should not be taken from an unknown tree, as it may be poisonous.

ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF THE MISWAAK
(1) Eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.
(2) Sharpens the Intelligence."Four things increase the Intelligence as in TIBBE NABAWI:(i) Shunning of nonsensical talks(ii) Use of the Miswaak(iii) Sitting in the company of the pious, and(iv) Sitting in the company of the Ulama."
(3) Eliminates Slime (slippery substance).
(4) Cure for Illness.
(5) Miswaak creates fragrance in the mouth.
(6) Miswaak prevents further increase of decay.
(7) Miswaak is a cure for headaches, also assists in eliminating toothaches.
(8) Miswaak creates luster (Noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
(9) Miswaak removes the yellowish ness of the teeth.
(10) Miswaak assists in the process of Digestion.
(11) Miswaak is a cure for a certain mouth disease known as Qilaa'- (This is stated in Hujjatul Baaleghah)
(12) And, the greatest benefit of using the Miswaak is the attainment ofAllah Ta'ala's Pleasure. And, indeed the MISWAAK IS A GREAT SUNNAH.