Last days, i received a gift from a relative who returned from there journey of Hajj. This gift made me very happy, as it convinced me that they remembered me in there prayers. Khair, when i opened my pack, amongst all other items in it, i found few sticks which caught my attention. Soon it flashed my mind - MISWAAK !!!!, - A sunnah forgotten. I knew that it was a sunnah, but was n't practicing it. Incidentally, happened to hear a lecture over it. So i thought to share it with IC. For those who had forgotten this sunnah, this thread may be a revival of its importance. May Allah swt, guide us in following this sunnah strictly. "He who holds on firmly to my Sunnah at a time when my Ummah are (grovelling) in corruption will receive a reward of a hundred martyrs." And, indeed the MISWAAK IS A GREAT SUNNAH. Let's learn what a miswak is. A miswak, or siwak, is a softened small stick with which the teeth are rubbed and cleaned. The end is shaped into a brush through biting or chewing, which serve to separate the fibers and release the healing herbal powers of the twig. Some advantages of the miswak are that is does not require toothpaste, water or a special area to use it, and may be easily carried in one's purse or pocket. It is also disposable and biodegradable - therefore, it is the ultimate environmentally safe toothbrush. Some people even believe it works better than a toothbrush. Nevertheless, a more compelling reason to use the miswak is that it is Sunnah to do so. Abu Hurairah reported that Prophet Mohammad (saws) said, "Were it not that I might overburden believers, I would have ordered them to use the miswak at every prayer" (Imam Muslim, Vol. 1). Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Miswak (tooth-stick) before every Salat.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. We learn from this Hadith that the Prophet (PBUH) liked to clean his teeth with Miswak with every Salat, but he did not made it obligatory for the reason that it would be inconvenient for his followers. It shows that he was extremely affectionate and kind to his Ummah. According to researchers it is this regular cleaning of the teeth, along with a proper diet, that makes the difference between healthy and unhealthy teeth. Keeping your teeth clean is as important Islamically as it is medically. It is as difficult to envision speaking to Allah (through prayer) with bad breath and dirty teeth as it is to envision speaking to a friend when you are suffering from bad breath and dirty teeth. The Prophet himself (saws), used to use the miswak before every prayer (Sahih Muslim, Vol.1). Modern science suggests we would do well to follow his example. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “All the descendants of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent." Posted By: seekshidayath Subject: Miswak - A forgotten Sunnah.