The Type of Miswak Used by the Prophet (ﷺ)

Miswak is a natural tooth-cleaning tool that holds great significance in Islam. It is generally made from a twig or branch of a tree and is used to clean teeth and freshen the mouth. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave great importance to the use of miswak, and it became widely practiced in the Muslim community as part of his Sunnah. The use of miswak is also mentioned as a Sunnah followed by other prophets.

The famous companion Hazrat Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (R.A.) says, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'Four things are the constant Sunnahs of the prophets: modesty, the use of perfume, using miswak, and marriage.'"

— (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1080)

Ummul Mumineen Ayesha (R.A.) says, "Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) would wake up, whether at night or during the day, he would use miswak before performing wudu (ablution)."

— (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Mishkat, Hadith: 352)

What Tree Did the Prophet (ﷺ) Use for Miswak?

The Prophet (ﷺ) generally used the twig of the 'Arak' tree for miswak. The Arak tree is a special type of tree found in abundance in the Middle East and North Africa. Its branches are very flexible and suitable for cleaning teeth. In Islam, this is considered a Sunnah, as the Prophet (ﷺ) used the branches of this tree to clean his teeth.

Ayesha (R.A.) says: "The Prophet (ﷺ) preferred the branch of the Arak tree for miswak."

— (Sahih Muslim)

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (R.A.) says: "I would collect miswak from the Pilu tree for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)."

— (Al-Mujam al-Kabir, Tabarani 9/78, Hadith 8452; Musnad Abu Ya’la, Hadith 5310)

According to a Hadith narration:

Abu Huraira (R.A.) says, "The Prophet (ﷺ) said that miswak is purifying for the mouth and is beneficial for the teeth."

— (Sahih Muslim)

In another narration, Sahabi Abu Khayrah al-Subahi (R.A.) says, "A delegation came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he gave us miswak made from the Pilu tree. We said, 'O Messenger of Allah, we have miswak made from the branch of a date tree.' However, we were honored by this gift and accepted it. Then, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed for us."

— (Al-Mujam al-Kabir, Tabarani 22/368, Hadith: 924)

From this narration, it can be understood that the companions used miswak from trees other than the Pilu (Arak) tree. One Hadith mentions two main benefits of using miswak:

It purifies the mouth.

It is a means of earning Allah's pleasure.

The first part of the Hadith suggests that the primary purpose of miswak is to clean the mouth. Therefore, any tree whose miswak cleans teeth and is beneficial for the teeth and mouth can be used. For the main reward and virtue of using miswak, it is not necessary for it to come from a specific tree.

— (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 7; Sharh al-Munya, 29)

Benefits of Using Miswak

Hadiths mention that miswak is very effective for cleaning teeth. Not only does it clean the teeth, but it also destroys harmful bacteria in the gums, removes bad breath, and enhances freshness in the mouth. People in the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) used it to maintain the health and purity of their mouths.

The Use of Miswak and Its Teachings in Islam

Through the use of miswak, the Prophet (ﷺ) not only emphasized the importance of cleaning teeth but also taught discipline, health, and completeness for a Muslim. It has become a part of the daily life of Muslims, through which they maintain cleanliness while following the Sunnah.

Conclusion

The use of miswak made from the branch of the Arak tree, as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), is a Sunnah for us that helps maintain health and cleanliness. Cleanliness holds great importance in Islam, and by using miswak, we can follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ).