السواك

Miswak (Tooth-Stick)

Therapeutic Practice Oral & Dental HealthHygiene & Prevention

A twig from the arak (Salvadora persica) tree, chewed and brushed against the teeth and gums as a recommended daily — even pre-prayer — hygiene practice.

sahih graded

لَوْلَا أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَى أُمَّتِي لَأَمَرْتُهُمْ بِالسِّوَاكِ عِنْدَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ

“Were it not that it would be difficult for my community, I would have commanded them to use the tooth-stick before every prayer.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 887; Sahih Muslim 252 Sahih

'A'ishah reported he would begin with the miswak on entering his home, and would clean his mouth with it on waking at night (Sahih Muslim; Sunan an-Nasa'i).

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim and later dental researchers alike note the arak twig's natural antibacterial compounds; the practice is now studied as an early precedent for regular mechanical tooth-cleaning.

Caution

Use a fresh-cut stick and replace it regularly; modern toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste remains the dentist-recommended standard for cavity prevention.