Nasai

3. Commentary:

➊ The purpose of the miswak is the cleansing of the mouth; therefore, the miswak should be used in such a manner that not only are the teeth cleaned, but the tongue and throat are also purified from every kind of impurity.

➋ While using the miswak, although there is a possibility that one's facial expression may change, this should not be a cause for concern, nor should it be considered contrary to dignity or one's personal character. Rather, the miswak can be used openly in front of anyone without hesitation.

Explanation:
If the tooth-stick (miswak) is used deep inside the throat, this kind of sound is produced. This was the state of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) at that time. What is meant here is to be thorough (to the utmost) in using the tooth-stick (miswak).

Hadith Authentication (Takhrij al-Hadith):
[143۔ البخاري فى : 4 كتاب الوضوء : 73 باب السواك 244، مسلم 254، أبوداود 49، نسائي 3]
From this hadith, it becomes evident the compassion and mercy of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) towards his ummah, that he did not command any act which could cause hardship for the ummah. Furthermore, this hadith is proof that using the siwak (tooth-stick) is not obligatory. However, it is certainly among the established and continuous sunnahs (sunnah mutawatirah) of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), which one should strive to adopt. According to the statement of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), the siwak is a means of purification for the mouth and a cause of the Lord’s pleasure. [صحيح: صحيح الترغيب 209، ارواء الغليل 66، أحمد 124/6، حميدي 162]
And as in the narration which states that prayer with siwak is seventy times superior to ordinary prayer, the scholars have declared this weak. [ضعيف: احمد 272/6، ابويعلي 4738]
◈ Shaykh Abdul Razzaq Mahdi has declared this narration weak. [التعليق على شرح فتح القدير 23/1]
◈ Shaykh Shu'ayb Arna'ut said that this narration is weak; its chain is disconnected because Muhammad ibn Ishaq did not hear this hadith from Imam al-Zuhri. [مسند أحمد محقق 26340]
◈ Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah states that Imam Ibn Ma'in rahimahullah said: None of the chains of this narration are authentic, and this narration is baseless. [تلخيص الحبير 68/1]

Hadith Commentary:
If the tooth-stick (miswak) is used deep inside the throat, this kind of sound is produced.
This was the state of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) at that time.
What is meant is to be thorough (mubalagha) in using the tooth-stick (miswak).

Hadith Commentary:
➊
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah established the chapter heading in the Book of Ablution (Kitab al-Wudu) to prove that using the tooth-stick (miswak) is a Sunnah related to ablution, because the miswak is among the things associated with ablution. He will also bring it in the Book of Prayer (Kitab al-Salat) to clarify that it is also a Sunnah of prayer.
Thus, in one hadith it is stated that if I had not feared hardship for my people, I would have made the use of the miswak obligatory with every prayer.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Jumu‘ah, Hadith: 887)
Similarly, regarding ablution, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said that if I had not feared hardship for my ummah, I would have made the use of the miswak obligatory with every ablution.
(Musnad Ahmad: 250/2)
The sound of "ugh" coming from the mouth while using the miswak is an indication that the miswak was also passed over the tongue, because when phlegm and the like accumulate on the tongue, it becomes difficult to recite (the Qur'an), so the act of using the miswak was prescribed to clean the tongue.

➋
The recommended times for using the miswak are as follows:
* With ablution (wudu).
* At the time of prayer.
* For recitation of the Qur'an.
* Before sleeping.
* Upon waking from sleep.
* On Fridays.
* At the time of eating.
* When there is any odor in the mouth for any reason.
It should be noted that odor in the mouth can arise for several reasons. Some of them are as follows:
* Abstaining from eating and drinking.
* Consuming something with a strong smell.
* Prolonged silence.
* Excessive talking.
Furthermore, it is narrated from Aisha radi Allahu anha that when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would enter the house, he would first make a point of using the miswak.
(Sahih Muslim, al-Taharah, Hadith: 590(253))

➌
The greatest benefit of using the miswak is that it earns the pleasure of the Lord of Majesty.
In addition, it is a means of purification and cleanliness of the mouth, it strengthens the gums, increases and develops memory power, sharpens the eyesight and increases its brightness, removes and expels excess fluids, and keeps the digestive system in order.
One who regularly uses the miswak is protected from toothache.
Besides these, there are countless other benefits which modern medicine has also acknowledged.

➍
From the narration of Hudhayfah radi Allahu anhu, it is known that when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would wake up at night from sleep, he would clean his mouth with the miswak, that is, the vapors that rise from the stomach and settle on the tongue due to sleep also affect recitation, so the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would use the miswak to remove them.
From this hadith, it is also known that it is legislated to use the miswak lengthwise on the tongue, while on the teeth it should be used crosswise.
(Fath al-Bari: 463/1)

Benefits and Issues:
It is stated in this that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to be thorough in using the miswak, and he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would not only clean his teeth but would also clean his tongue and as far as the throat with the miswak.