Sunnah of Prophet – Miswaak [Part 2]

A SUNNAH OF PROPHET – MISWAAK

MISWAAK UPON ENTERING HOME
Shuraih (R) narrates that he asked Aisha (R): ‘What was the first thing Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) did upon entering the house’

Aisha (R) replied:  ‘Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would use Miswaak’.” (MUSLIM)

MISWAAK UPON LEAVING HOME
“Whenever Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) left the house he would use Miswaak.” (KASHFUL GHUMMAH)

MISWAAK BEFORE AND AFTER MEALS
Abu Hurairah (R) said: “I have used Miswaak before sleeping, after rising, before eating and after eating, ever since I heard the Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) advising so’.” (AHMAD)

MISWAAK BEFORE RECITING THE HOLY QUR’AN
Hadhrat Ali (R) said: ‘Verily, your mouths are the pathways of the Qur’an (i.e. you recite with your mouth), therefore cleanse your mouth with Miswaak thoroughly’.” (IBN MAJAH)

MISWAAK DURING FASTING
Aamir Bin Rabiyah (R) narrates: ‘I have seen Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) using Miswaak many a time while fasting’.” (IBN MAJAH)

In another Hadith, our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said that one of the best characteristics of a fasting person is his use of Miswaak.

The majority of the Ulama have opined that it is Sunnat to use Miswaak while fasting. It is recorded in Fataawa Siraajiah that a fasting person may use a dry or a moist (i.e. fresh, green) Miswaak.

It is recorded in many Ahadith that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his Sahaba were in the habit of having their Miswaaks on their persons while on a journey or during battles. In the Kitaab, Kashful Ghummah it is mentioned that during the battle the Companions of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would store their Miswaaks in the scabbards of their swords for use at the time of Salaat.

Allamah Sha’rani (R) states in Kashful Ghummah that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

“Whoever spurns or rejects Miswaak is not of us (Muslims).”

All the aforegoing Ahadith of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the statements of the learned jurists of Islam point clearly to the tremendous importance of Miswaak in Islam. However, despite its elevated status, significance and importance, this noble practice is neglected and generally discarded by present-day Muslims. Needless to say, this is one of the examples of the spiritual and worldly decadence that has set into the Muslim Nation.

The revival of the practice of using Miswaak instead of the various substitutes is of utmost importance to Muslims. In times such as the present age when we are confronted and surrounded by the satanic forces of irreligiosity, materialism, atheism, vice, and immorality, it is of greater importance that Muslims strive most ardently to re-instate the practices or the Sunnah of our beloved Nabi it; And, of these is Miswaak. Substitutes, e.g. toothpowders, brushes, etc., should only be resorted to in the event of the non-availability of Miswaak. To revive a “lost” or a forgotten Sunnah of our Nabi it: a Sunnah that the followers of Islam have murdered carries a great and mighty Thawaab (Reward). In this regard our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

“He who holds on firmly to my Sunnah at a time when my Ummah are (groveling) in corruption will receive a reward of a hundred martyrs.”

And, indeed the MISWAAK IS A GREAT SUNNAH.

THE SAHABAS (COMPANIONS) AND THE MISWAAK

The Sahabas (R) who were the best and the noblest examples and teachers of the Sunnah of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) viewed Miswaak in a very serious light and regarded it as a practice of supreme holiness. Their constant use of Miswaak, their continuous exhortations to use Miswaak and their warnings to those who neglect Miswaak are ample evidence of the nobility and the importance attached to this practice of using Miswaak.

Abdul Aziz Abu Dawood (R) said:

“Two things of a Muslim are among the best of practices”

(1) Performing Tahajjud Salaat, and

(2) Constancy in the use of the Miswaak.”

THE ULAMA AND MISWAAK

Hadhrat Shaukani (R) said: “Miswaak is one of the Laws of Shariah. And, this fact is as clear as daylight. This has been conceded by the peoples of the world.” ( NAILIL AUTAAR)

Allamah Aini (R) says: “Abu Amr (R) said that upon the significance of the Miswaak consensus of opinion exists. There is no difference of opinion on this score. According to all learned men of Islam, Salaat performed after using Miswaak is far nobler than a Salaat without Miswaak. Auzaai (R) said that Miswaak is half of Wudhu.” (AL-BUNAAYAH)

Shaikh Muhammad (R) said: “Verily, over a hundred Hadith have been narrated regarding the significance of Miswaak. Therefore, it is a great astonishment to behold that so many among mankind as well as among the learned neglect such an important practice that has been emphasized to such an extent. This is a great loss.” (SUBL)

AADAAB OR RESPECTS TO BE OBSERVED REGARDING MISWAAK

The majority of the Ulama hold the view that the use of Miswaak is not Fardh (compulsory). However, despite it not being decreed Fardh by the Shariah, it is of utmost importance. It is likewise essential that all the Aadaab pertaining to Miswaak be observed. Neglect of the Aadaab is a sign of the spiritual indolence and weakness of Imaan. In order to achieve the Sawaub of a particular practice in full measure, it is necessary that the Aadaab relating to the practice be observed. If neglect is shown towards the Aadanb, the final result will be the neglect of that very practice. In the Kitab, Ta’leemul Muta-allim the following is stated:

“He who becomes neglectful about the Aadaab is deprived of the Sunnats, and he who becomes neglectful of the Sunnats is deprived of the Faraa-idh (compulsory acts), and he who becomes neglectful of the Faraaidh is deprived of the Hereafter.” (TA’LEEMUL MUTA-ALLIM)

Faqih Abu Laith Samarqandi (R) states: “As long as the Servant of Allah safeguards the Aadaab Satan does not attempt to assault him (i.e. mislead him). However, when he neglects the Aadaab Satan makes advances into the Sunnats (i.e. misleads the Servant from the Sunnats). Thereafter follows Satan’s assault on the faraa-idh (compulsory duties). This is followed by Satan’s assault on Ikhlaas (sincerity), and finally on Yaqeen (Faith). Hence, it is necessary for a person to protect the Aadaab of all his affairs and actions, e g. the Aadaab of selling and the Aadaab of Wudhu, Salaat, buying, etc. (BUSTAANUL AARIFEEN)