The Miswak is a teeth cleaning twig obtained from a tree natively found in the Middle-East, Africa and other countries. This twig has been used for centuries as an alternative toothbrush. The Muslims have been using this natural tooth brush since the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advocated for it, fourteen hundred years ago. So, when a blog/shopping website started to promote a ‘raw toothbrush’ as a natural way to brush teeth, Muslims were perplexed by the fact that non-Muslims suddenly discovering the Miswak and its medical benefits. The religious value of the Miswak is overwhelmingly stressed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the Hadith (Authentic narrations). Here are some examples:
“I urge you to use the Miswak” (Sahih Bukhari) “Had I not feared for my nation, I would have commanded them to use the Miswak at every prayer” (Sahih Bukhari) “Whenever the Prophet woke up for the night prayer, he would use the Miswak.” (Sahih Bukhari)
These are just some of the Hadiths that teach the importance of the Miswak in Islam. It is because of the example that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set for all Muslims around the world, that they follow his teachings. We follow his teachings not because of the newly found benefits of his actions, but because of our love for him and the fact he was divinely inspired by our Creator, Allah SWT.