Miswāk

A blessed Sunnah that purifies the body, uplifts the soul, and earns the pleasure of Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said,

“If I had not found it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswāk before every prayer.”

(Bukhārī)

Miswāk is more than just a stick. It is a tool of purification. A practice beloved to the Prophet ﷺ. A means of honouring the body Allah gave you and preparing the heart for divine connection.

He ﷺ never abandoned the miswāk until his last breath. In his final moments, it was handed to him, and he used it before returning to his Lord. This is not coincidence. This is a sign.

The scholars say, one who lives with the Sunnah will be honoured with it in their death. And one who uses the miswāk regularly, bi’idhnillah, will be granted a death upon imān.

Spiritual Virtues of Miswāk

• Increases reward of Salaah

• Pleases Allah

• Purifies the mouth for dhikr and Qur’an

• Prepares one for du’ā and divine remembrance

• Revives the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

• Builds love for the Sunnah in the heart

• Brings angels closer and increases divine blessings

• A means of husn al khātimah (a good ending)

• Helps the soul attain a state of cleanliness and readiness for the meeting with Allah

The Prophet ﷺ said,

“The miswāk cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.”

(Nasā’i)

Physical Benefits of Miswāk

• Naturally whitens teeth

• Strengthens gums and prevents gum disease

• Removes plaque and prevents tooth decay

• Freshens breath without artificial chemicals

• Prevents oral infections and sore throat

• Aids digestion by stimulating saliva and enzymes

• Strengthens eyesight and sharpens memory

• Boosts brain activity and mental clarity

• Reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth

• Prevents bad odour and promotes internal health

• Has antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties

• Improves voice clarity for recitation and speech

• Contains minerals like fluoride, silica, and Vitamin C

• Helps balance oral pH and keeps the mouth alkaline

• Can ease headaches and improve focus

Miswāk is not just about hygiene. It is about preparing yourself spiritually and physically to meet Allah.

It is narrated that angels are present with the one who uses the miswāk before Salaah, and the reward of that Salaah is multiplied by seventy times.

Using it before Jumu’ah, before sleep, before Qur’ān, before entering the home, and after waking, are all beloved times.

A small stick. But immense in reward. A forgotten Sunnah that carries healing, purification, and the fragrance of the Prophet’s ﷺ lifestyle.

Revive this Sunnah today.

Let your mouth be pure for the Qur’ān.

Let your breath be sweet with the remembrance of Allah.

Let your death be upon the Sunnah.

Let your ending be upon imān.