Box of 36 Natural Miswaks.
Note: We do not accept returns on miswaks. If you are not familiar with these miswaks then purchase single packs before purchasing a box.
The miswak is a teeth cleaning twig made from a twig of the Salvadora
persica tree (known as arak in Arabic). It has a long, well-documented history
and is reputed for its medicinal benefits. It also features prominently
in Islamic hygienical jurisprudence.
History
The miswak
is predominant in Muslim-inhabited areas, but its use predates the inception of
Islam. The stick's use has spread from the Middle East to South and Southeast
Asia, where it is known as Kayu Sugi (Malay for 'chewing stick'). It is often
mentioned that the Islamic Prophet Muhammad recommended its use. He is quoted
in various Hadith extolling the twig's virtues:
"Were
it not that I might over-burden the Believers I would have ordered them to use
Siwak (Miswak) at the time of every Prayer."
"Four
things are from among the practices of the Prophets: Circumcision, Perfume,
Miswak, and Marriage.
"Make
a regular practice of Miswak for verily it is the purification for the mouth
and a means of the pleasure of the Lord.
Studies
A 2003 scientific study comparing the use of miswak with ordinary
toothbrushes concluded that the results clearly were in favor of the users who
had been using the miswak, provided they had been given proper instruction in
how to brush using it. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use
of the miswak in 1986 and in 2000 an international consensus report on oral
hygiene concluded that further research was needed to document the effect of
the miswak.
Dr. Rami Mohammed Diabi,who spent more than 17 years researching
the effects of miswak on health, and especially its anti-addiction effects on
smokers (curative and preventive sides), has opened a field of science and
research with his last publication: "Miswak Medicine Theory" or Sewak
Puncture medicine which led him to what is called Beyond Sewak: World of
Science and Research.
Miswak extract vs. oral disinfectants
Studies indicate that Salvadora persica extract is somewhat
comparable to other oral disinfectants and anti-plaque agents like Triclosan
and Chlorhexidine Gluconate if used at a very high concentration.
Religious prescriptions
The use of the miswak is frequently advocated in the hadith (the
traditions relating to the life of Muhammad). Situations where the miswak is
recommended to be used include, before religious practice, before entering
one's house, before and after going on a journey, on Fridays[10], before
sleeping and after waking up, when experiencing hunger or thirst and before
entering any good gathering.
In addition to strengthening the gums, preventing tooth decay and
eliminating toothaches, the miswak is also said to halt further increase in
decay that has already set in. Furthermore, it is said to create a fragrance in
the mouth, eliminate bad breath, improve the sense of taste and cause the teeth
to glow and shine.
In addition, benefits not related to the teeth and gums include
sharpening memory, curing headaches, creating a glow on the face of the one who
continually uses it, strengthening the eyesight, assisting in digestion and
clearing the voice.
Examples of hadith concerning the miswak
From Sahih al-Bukhari:
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet said, "If somebody eats or
drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or
drunk, has been given to him by God." Narrated 'Amir bin Rabi'a, "I
saw the Prophet cleaning his teeth with Siwak while he was fasting so many
times as I can't count." And narrated Abu Huraira, "The Prophet said,
'But for my fear that it would be hard for my followers, I would have ordered them
to clean their teeth with Siwak on every performance of ablution." The
same is narrated by Jabir and Zaid bin Khalid from the Prophet who did not
differentiate between a fasting and a nonfasting person in this respect (using
Siwak). Aisha said, "The Prophet said, "It (i.e. Siwak) is a
purification for the mouth and it is a way of seeking the acceptance of
God." Ata' and Qatada said, "There is no harm in swallowing the
resultant saliva." Narrated Abu Burda: My father said, "I came to the
Prophet and saw him carrying a Siwak in his hand and cleansing his teeth.
From Sahih Muslim:
'Abd al-Rahman son of Abu Sa`id al-Khudri reported on the
authority of his father that the Messenger of God said: Bathing on Friday for
every adult, using of Miswak and applying some perfume or cologne, that is
available-these are essential.
Maintenance
A miswak should be one hand span in length when selected. If it
becomes dry, it should be soaked in rose water to soften the end bristles. The
end should be cut afresh to ensure hygiene and should never be stored near a
toilet or sink.
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