Use of Miswak in Islamic culture and oral hygiene

The use of Miswak is well spread in the Muslim population of the world, and is a common entity in Muslim countries. The reason for common use of Miswak by Muslims can be attributed to religious beliefs. The last messenger of Islam used it frequently and also instructed his followers to do the same and hence the practice continues widely in Muslim countries.

Note that it is used in place of the ordinary toothbrush and toothpaste. There are 70 benefits of Miswak as suggested by Islamic Literature and many of these have been scientifically proven and the rest haven’t been studied yet.

"The Miswak is a (means of) purification of the mouth (and a means of) pleasure of the Lord "(Al-Bukhari). "Had it not been for the sake of over burdening my Ummah I would have ordered them (to use) Miswak with every ablution"(in another report by Al-Bukhari).


It has also been narrated by reliable sources that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was emphatic in the daily use of Miswak, upon waking, before and after eating, leaving and entering his house, before ablution, and prayers. Furthermore it was a practice of all the Prophets (peace by upon them). Some scholars have mentioned upto 70 benefits from the use of Miswak.

Health benefits of Miswak

• Kills Gum disease causing bacteria.
• Fights plaque effectively. 
• Fights against caries. 
• Removes Bad breath and odor from mouth. 
• Creates a fragrance in the mouth. 
• Effectively clean between teeth due to its parallel bristles. 
• Increases salivation and hence inhibits dry mouth (Xerostomia)

Islam introduced basic oral hygiene by incorporating it as a religious practice. Islam teaches the importance of cleanliness of the body as well as of the mind. Several quotations are found in the compendium of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as to the benefits of Miswak in oral hygiene. For example: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: "Siwak purifies the mouth and pleases Allah'and said: Were it not to be a hardship on my community, I would have ordered them to use Siwak for every ablution.'

Thè use of Miswak is well spread in Thè Muslim population of Thè world, and is a common entity in Muslim countries. Thè reason for common use of Miswak by Muslims can be attributed to religious beliefs. Thè last messenger of Islam used it frequently and also instructed his followers to do Thè same and hence Thè practice continues widely in Muslim countries.

A Miswak or Siwak is still an alien thing to the western world. But, it’s a twig which a majority of people from Muslim countries use daily to brush their teeth. Although it might sound outdated to use twigs from trees for cleaning your teeth, studies conducted on Miswak proves otherwise. Studies have inferred that Miswak is better than toothpaste for preventing gum disease. It is being known as chewing stick in the western world and is being looked upon as a form of alternative medicine.

Useful links:
* http://www.miswakstick.com/

Get scientific research and other iformation: www.miswakstick.com