Written by: Abu Abdullah Sarim
Allah Almighty has placed teeth in the human mouth with specific needs and wisdom. When a child is young, they are given food that does not require chewing, and at that time, teeth do not grow. When food that needs to be chewed becomes necessary, teeth begin to grow. If teeth were present at birth, mothers would not be able to breastfeed their children because the children, in their ignorance, would bite their mothers' breasts, which would be harmful to the mothers. Therefore, teeth grow after a certain time. Observe Allah's craftsmanship in how He has strung pearls in the human mouth, enhancing human beauty. Without the blessing of teeth, a person’s speech becomes distorted. A child cannot speak clearly until their teeth have grown.
The value of this priceless blessing from Allah can be further understood by the fact that if teeth do not chew food, the stomach cannot digest it. If the stomach does not digest food, it eventually deteriorates, leading to poor health. There are many foods that, unless chewed well, cannot be fully enjoyed. As the wise say, “When the eyes are lost, the world is lost, and when the teeth are lost, the taste is gone.”
After a certain age, a child's teeth fall out, and new ones take their place. This too is part of Allah's wisdom. Consider the structure of the two upper and two lower front teeth; they are sharp-edged for cutting, while the molars are broad with rough surfaces for grinding. The upper and lower molars act like the two stones of a mill. In other words, teeth serve the function of tools, saws, knives, and mills, and they are also a source of beauty. Beyond these, teeth offer countless other benefits and purposes. Teeth are the only bones in the human body without flesh. If they were covered in flesh, they would not fulfill their intended purpose.
Islamic Shariah has emphasized and encouraged the use of miswak for the cleanliness and purification of teeth. It can be said that teeth are the only organ that is cleaned using a piece of wood. Cleaning the teeth is a natural requirement. Dirty and unsightly teeth make a person look unpleasant. If proper attention is not given to their cleanliness, they can become decayed, forcing one to visit a dentist. Cleaning the teeth is part of faith; it brings the pleasure of the Lord, follows the Sunnah of the Prophet, and shows gratitude for Allah’s unparalleled blessing.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently used miswak and also encouraged the Ummah to do the same. Therefore, when using miswak, do so with the intention that it is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a means to attain Allah’s pleasure. In this way, we will gather the blessings of both this world and the Hereafter, while also ensuring the protection and beauty of our teeth. Now, tell me, when will you regularly adopt the Sunnah of miswak?
Faith-Inspiring Hadiths About Miswak:
➊ It is narrated by Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"I have emphasized the use of miswak greatly upon you."
[Sahih Bukhari: 888]
➋ It is narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak at every prayer."
[Sahih Bukhari: 887, Sahih Muslim: 252]
➌ Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Miswak cleanses the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord."
[Sunan al-Nasa'i: 5, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 135, with a Sahih chain]
➍ Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) also narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Ten things are part of the natural disposition: trimming the mustache, letting the beard grow, and using miswak..."
[Sahih Muslim: 261]
➎ Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Performing ghusl on Friday is obligatory for every adult, and also to use miswak and apply perfume if available."
[Sahih Bukhari: 880, Sahih Muslim: 836, summarized]
➏ Abu Abdur-Rahman Sulami, a Tabi'i, narrates:
"Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) instructed the use of miswak and said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'When a servant uses miswak, then stands to pray, an angel stands behind him, listening to the Quran. The angel’s admiration for the Quran brings him closer until he places his mouth on the mouth of the praying person. Nothing of the Quran comes out of the person’s mouth except it enters the angel's belly. Therefore, keep your mouths clean.'”
[Kitab al-Zuhd by Imam Abdullah bin al-Mubarak: 1/435, Hadith: 1225, with a Hasan chain]
➐ It is narrated by Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him):
"When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) got up to perform Tahajjud, he would clean his blessed mouth with miswak."
[Sahih Bukhari: 245, Sahih Muslim: 255]
➑ Sayyiduna Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
"I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him), and the tip of the miswak was on his blessed tongue."
[Sahih Bukhari: 6923, Sahih Muslim: 254]
❀ In another narration from Sahih Bukhari [244], it is mentioned:
"I found him using miswak with his hand, saying: ‘Ah, Ah,’ and the miswak was in his mouth as if he was about to vomit."
➒ Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
"We used to prepare the miswak and the purification water for the Prophet (peace be upon him). He would wake up in the night as Allah willed, use miswak, perform wudu, and then offer prayer (Tahajjud)..."
[Sahih Muslim: 746]
➓ Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"I saw in a dream that I was using miswak, and two men came to pull me, one of whom was older than the other. I gave the miswak to the younger one, but I was told: 'Give it to the older,' so I gave it to the older one."
[Sahih Muslim: 2271 (Musnad), Sahih Bukhari: 246 (Mu'allaq)]
⓫ Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated the state of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) Tahajjud prayer:
"He spent one night at the house of the Prophet (peace be upon him). When the Prophet woke up at the last part of the night, he went outside, looked at the sky, and recited the verses from Surah Al-Imran [3:190-191] until he reached ‘Save us from the punishment of the Fire’ [3:191]. Then he returned home, used miswak, performed wudu, and prayed. After lying down, he woke up again, went outside, looked at the sky, recited the verses, returned, used miswak, performed wudu, and prayed again."
[Sahih Muslim: 256]
⓬ Shurayh bin Hani asked Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) what the Prophet (peace be upon him) did first when he entered the house. She replied:
"He used miswak first."
[Sahih Muslim: 253]
⓭ Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated the condition of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) final illness:
"Abdul-Rahman bin Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) entered while using a miswak. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) looked at it, so I said to him: 'Give me this miswak, Abdul-Rahman!' He handed it to me. I chewed it, then gave it to the Prophet (peace be upon him). He used the miswak while resting against my chest."
[Sahih Bukhari: 890]
Benefit No. ①
Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
"The Prophet (peace be upon him) used miswak, then handed it to me to wash. I began using it myself, then washed it and returned it to him."
[Sunan Abi Dawood: 52, with a Hasan chain]
The narrator, Kathir bin Ubayd al-Taymi, is considered “Hasan al-Hadith.”
This Hadith proves that women can also use miswak, and both men and women share in the virtue and emphasis of miswak. It also indicates that a woman can use her husband's miswak without his permission.
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 1/170, with a Sahih chain]
Benefit No. ②
Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Fingers can also serve the purpose of miswak."
[Al-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi: 1/40, with a Hasan chain]
Although Imam Bayhaqi considered this Hadith weak, the correct opinion is that its chain is "Hasan" according to the principles of Hadith scholars. And Allah knows best!
This Hadith suggests that if miswak is not available, one can clean their teeth with their fingers.
Benefit No. ③:
Using Miswak While Fasting is Permissible
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"If I had not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use miswak with every prayer."
[Sahih Bukhari: 887, Sahih Muslim: 252]
◈ Imam al-Nasa'i (may Allah have mercy on him) established a chapter under this hadith with the words:
"The concession of using miswak in the afternoon for a fasting person."
◈ Allama Sindhi Hanafi (may Allah have mercy on him) commented on this:
"From this hadith, the ruling mentioned by the author (Imam al-Nasa'i) in the chapter can be inferred. Undoubtedly, this is a very subtle deduction by the author and an astonishing sign of his alertness. Glory be to Allah! What a sharp and brilliant understanding he had."
[Hashiyah al-Sindi 'ala Sunan al-Nasa'i: 1/13]
❀ Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
"There is no harm in a fasting person using a wet or dry miswak."
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/37, with a Hasan chain]
Some people discourage fasting individuals from using miswak, arguing that it removes the scent from the mouth of the fasting person, which is more fragrant to Allah than musk. However, this is merely a misconception. Sheikh al-Islam Thani, Allama Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) provided the following six answers to this doubt:
➊ Rinsing the mouth (with water) cuts off the bad breath more effectively than miswak, and the consensus is that it is permissible for the fasting person.
➋ The pleasure of Allah is far greater than His liking for the scent of the fasting person's mouth.
➌ Allah's love for miswak is greater than His love for the remaining breath in the mouth of the fasting person.
➍ Miswak does not prevent the pleasant scent that Allah loves on the Day of Resurrection from the mouth of the fasting person.
➎ The bad breath does not disappear with miswak because its cause remains, which is the emptiness of the stomach.
➏ The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his Ummah what is recommended and what is disliked in fasting, but he did not list miswak as disliked during fasting.
[Zad al-Ma'ad fi Hady Khayr al-'Ibad: 4/323-324]
❀ In another narration, Sayyiduna 'Umar bin Rabi'ah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
"I saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) using miswak many times while fasting."
[Sunan Abi Dawood: 2364, Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 721, and he said: Hasan]
Although its chain is "weak" because it includes the narrator 'Asim bin Ubaidullah, who is considered "weak" by the majority of hadith scholars like Hafiz Nawawi [Khulasat al-Ahkam: 1/87], Allama Haythami [Majma' al-Zawa'id: 1/150], and Hafiz Ibn Hajar [Al-Nukat 'ala Kitab Ibn al-Salah: 1/73]. However, from general hadith, it is established that the Prophet (peace be upon him) frequently used miswak while fasting, as we have already mentioned with reference to Imam al-Nasa'i (may Allah have mercy on him).
Benefit No. ④:
Abu Salamah, a Tabi'i, narrates:
"Sayyiduna Zaid bin Khalid (may Allah be pleased with him) would attend the prayers in the mosque with the miswak placed behind his ear, like a pen behind the ear of a writer. He would not stand for prayer without using the miswak first, then returning it to its place."
[Sunan Abi Dawood: 47, Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 23, and he said: Hasan]
However, its chain is "weak" because it includes the narrator Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar, who was known for "tadlis" (concealing the source of his narration) and is narrating without clear evidence of hearing.
❀ In Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi [1/61], there is also a marfu' narration mentioning the Prophet (peace be upon him) placing the miswak on his ear.However, this narration is also "weak" due to the tadlis of Muhammad bin Ishaq and Sufyan al-Thawri.
Benefit No. ⑤:
A hadith mentions:
"A prayer performed with miswak is better than seventy prayers performed without miswak."
[Musnad Imam Ahmad: 6/272, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 137, Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahihayn by Al-Hakim: 1/146]
However, its chain is "weak" because it includes both Muhammad bin Ishaq and Muhammad bin Shihab, who are "mudallis" (practicing tadlis) and did not clarify that they heard it directly.
◈ That is why Imam Ibn Khuzaymah expressed doubt about its authenticity, saying:
"If this narration is authentic... because I fear that Muhammad bin Ishaq did not hear it directly from Muhammad bin Muslim but rather concealed the source."
◈ Imam al-Bayhaqi said the same.
[Al-Sunan al-Kubra: 1/38]
❀ Another chain for this narration exists in Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi [1/38], but it is also "weak" because it includes the narrator Muhammad bin 'Umar al-Waqidi, who is considered "weak" by the majority of hadith scholars. Imam al-Bayhaqi himself classified it as "weak."
❀ A third chain exists in Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi [1/38], but it is also "weak" due to the presence of the narrator Farj bin Fadala, who is "weak."
[Taqreeb al-Tahdheeb by Ibn Hajar: 5383]
◈ Imam al-Bayhaqi said:
"This chain is not strong."
◈ Imam Yahya bin Ma'in said:
"The hadith stating that a prayer with miswak is better than a prayer without miswak is not authentic; it is false."
[Al-Tamheed by Ibn 'Abd al-Barr: 7/200]
In conclusion, this narration is "weak" with all its chains, as Hafiz Ibn Hajar said:
"Its chains are flawed."
[Talkhees al-Habeer: 1/68, Hadith: 69]
◄ However, a similar statement is found from the Tabi'i Hasan bin Atiyyah, who said:
"It is said:
Two rak'ahs in which a person uses miswak are better than seventy rak'ahs in which miswak is not used."
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 1/169, with a Sahih chain]
Benefit No. ⑥:
It is attributed to Sayyiduna Mu'adh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say:
"The best miswak is the one made from the blessed olive tree. It purifies the mouth and removes dental decay. It is my miswak and the miswak of the prophets before me."
[Al-Mu'jam al-Awsat by al-Tabarani: 1/210, Hadith: 678]
However, this narration is fabricated (mawdu') because:
① Its narrator, Muhammad bin Muhsin al-'Ukashi, is a "liar."
◈ Imam al-Daraqutni said about him:
"He is abandoned, fabricates hadith."
[Su'alat al-Barqani lil-Daraqutni: 459]
② Ma'lal bin Nafeel al-Harani, about whom Hafiz Haythami said:
"I have not found anyone who mentioned him."
[Majma' al-Zawa'id: 2/100]
Thus, the virtue of olive miswak is not established. Traders often exploit this fabricated narration by displaying it, but it has no basis in authentic sources.
Allah Almighty has placed teeth in the human mouth with specific needs and wisdom. When a child is young, they are given food that does not require chewing, and at that time, teeth do not grow. When food that needs to be chewed becomes necessary, teeth begin to grow. If teeth were present at birth, mothers would not be able to breastfeed their children because the children, in their ignorance, would bite their mothers' breasts, which would be harmful to the mothers. Therefore, teeth grow after a certain time. Observe Allah's craftsmanship in how He has strung pearls in the human mouth, enhancing human beauty. Without the blessing of teeth, a person’s speech becomes distorted. A child cannot speak clearly until their teeth have grown.
The value of this priceless blessing from Allah can be further understood by the fact that if teeth do not chew food, the stomach cannot digest it. If the stomach does not digest food, it eventually deteriorates, leading to poor health. There are many foods that, unless chewed well, cannot be fully enjoyed. As the wise say, “When the eyes are lost, the world is lost, and when the teeth are lost, the taste is gone.”
After a certain age, a child's teeth fall out, and new ones take their place. This too is part of Allah's wisdom. Consider the structure of the two upper and two lower front teeth; they are sharp-edged for cutting, while the molars are broad with rough surfaces for grinding. The upper and lower molars act like the two stones of a mill. In other words, teeth serve the function of tools, saws, knives, and mills, and they are also a source of beauty. Beyond these, teeth offer countless other benefits and purposes. Teeth are the only bones in the human body without flesh. If they were covered in flesh, they would not fulfill their intended purpose.
Islamic Shariah has emphasized and encouraged the use of miswak for the cleanliness and purification of teeth. It can be said that teeth are the only organ that is cleaned using a piece of wood. Cleaning the teeth is a natural requirement. Dirty and unsightly teeth make a person look unpleasant. If proper attention is not given to their cleanliness, they can become decayed, forcing one to visit a dentist. Cleaning the teeth is part of faith; it brings the pleasure of the Lord, follows the Sunnah of the Prophet, and shows gratitude for Allah’s unparalleled blessing.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently used miswak and also encouraged the Ummah to do the same. Therefore, when using miswak, do so with the intention that it is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a means to attain Allah’s pleasure. In this way, we will gather the blessings of both this world and the Hereafter, while also ensuring the protection and beauty of our teeth. Now, tell me, when will you regularly adopt the Sunnah of miswak?
Faith-Inspiring Hadiths About Miswak:
➊ It is narrated by Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"I have emphasized the use of miswak greatly upon you."
[Sahih Bukhari: 888]
➋ It is narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak at every prayer."
[Sahih Bukhari: 887, Sahih Muslim: 252]
➌ Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Miswak cleanses the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord."
[Sunan al-Nasa'i: 5, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 135, with a Sahih chain]
➍ Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) also narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Ten things are part of the natural disposition: trimming the mustache, letting the beard grow, and using miswak..."
[Sahih Muslim: 261]
➎ Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Performing ghusl on Friday is obligatory for every adult, and also to use miswak and apply perfume if available."
[Sahih Bukhari: 880, Sahih Muslim: 836, summarized]
➏ Abu Abdur-Rahman Sulami, a Tabi'i, narrates:
"Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) instructed the use of miswak and said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'When a servant uses miswak, then stands to pray, an angel stands behind him, listening to the Quran. The angel’s admiration for the Quran brings him closer until he places his mouth on the mouth of the praying person. Nothing of the Quran comes out of the person’s mouth except it enters the angel's belly. Therefore, keep your mouths clean.'”
[Kitab al-Zuhd by Imam Abdullah bin al-Mubarak: 1/435, Hadith: 1225, with a Hasan chain]
➐ It is narrated by Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him):
"When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) got up to perform Tahajjud, he would clean his blessed mouth with miswak."
[Sahih Bukhari: 245, Sahih Muslim: 255]
➑ Sayyiduna Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
"I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him), and the tip of the miswak was on his blessed tongue."
[Sahih Bukhari: 6923, Sahih Muslim: 254]
❀ In another narration from Sahih Bukhari [244], it is mentioned:
"I found him using miswak with his hand, saying: ‘Ah, Ah,’ and the miswak was in his mouth as if he was about to vomit."
➒ Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
"We used to prepare the miswak and the purification water for the Prophet (peace be upon him). He would wake up in the night as Allah willed, use miswak, perform wudu, and then offer prayer (Tahajjud)..."
[Sahih Muslim: 746]
➓ Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"I saw in a dream that I was using miswak, and two men came to pull me, one of whom was older than the other. I gave the miswak to the younger one, but I was told: 'Give it to the older,' so I gave it to the older one."
[Sahih Muslim: 2271 (Musnad), Sahih Bukhari: 246 (Mu'allaq)]
⓫ Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated the state of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) Tahajjud prayer:
"He spent one night at the house of the Prophet (peace be upon him). When the Prophet woke up at the last part of the night, he went outside, looked at the sky, and recited the verses from Surah Al-Imran [3:190-191] until he reached ‘Save us from the punishment of the Fire’ [3:191]. Then he returned home, used miswak, performed wudu, and prayed. After lying down, he woke up again, went outside, looked at the sky, recited the verses, returned, used miswak, performed wudu, and prayed again."
[Sahih Muslim: 256]
⓬ Shurayh bin Hani asked Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) what the Prophet (peace be upon him) did first when he entered the house. She replied:
"He used miswak first."
[Sahih Muslim: 253]
⓭ Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated the condition of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) final illness:
"Abdul-Rahman bin Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) entered while using a miswak. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) looked at it, so I said to him: 'Give me this miswak, Abdul-Rahman!' He handed it to me. I chewed it, then gave it to the Prophet (peace be upon him). He used the miswak while resting against my chest."
[Sahih Bukhari: 890]
Benefit No. ①
Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
"The Prophet (peace be upon him) used miswak, then handed it to me to wash. I began using it myself, then washed it and returned it to him."
[Sunan Abi Dawood: 52, with a Hasan chain]
The narrator, Kathir bin Ubayd al-Taymi, is considered “Hasan al-Hadith.”
- Imam Bukhari said about him:"He is counted among the Kufians."
- Imam Ibn Hibban mentioned him in his book "Al-Thiqat" [300/5].
- Imam Ibn Khuzaymah declared one of his Hadiths [2248] to be "Sahih."
- Imam Hakim also authenticated one of his Hadiths [4/252].
- Hafiz Dhahabi agreed with this authentication.
- Regarding this Hadith, Allama Nawawi writes:"This is a Hasan Hadith. It was narrated by Imam Abu Dawood with a good chain."
This Hadith proves that women can also use miswak, and both men and women share in the virtue and emphasis of miswak. It also indicates that a woman can use her husband's miswak without his permission.
- In this regard, Yazid bin Asam, a Tabi'i, narrates:
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 1/170, with a Sahih chain]
Benefit No. ②
Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Fingers can also serve the purpose of miswak."
[Al-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi: 1/40, with a Hasan chain]
Although Imam Bayhaqi considered this Hadith weak, the correct opinion is that its chain is "Hasan" according to the principles of Hadith scholars. And Allah knows best!
This Hadith suggests that if miswak is not available, one can clean their teeth with their fingers.
Benefit No. ③:
Using Miswak While Fasting is Permissible
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"If I had not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use miswak with every prayer."
[Sahih Bukhari: 887, Sahih Muslim: 252]
◈ Imam al-Nasa'i (may Allah have mercy on him) established a chapter under this hadith with the words:
"The concession of using miswak in the afternoon for a fasting person."
◈ Allama Sindhi Hanafi (may Allah have mercy on him) commented on this:
"From this hadith, the ruling mentioned by the author (Imam al-Nasa'i) in the chapter can be inferred. Undoubtedly, this is a very subtle deduction by the author and an astonishing sign of his alertness. Glory be to Allah! What a sharp and brilliant understanding he had."
[Hashiyah al-Sindi 'ala Sunan al-Nasa'i: 1/13]
❀ Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
"There is no harm in a fasting person using a wet or dry miswak."
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 3/37, with a Hasan chain]
Some people discourage fasting individuals from using miswak, arguing that it removes the scent from the mouth of the fasting person, which is more fragrant to Allah than musk. However, this is merely a misconception. Sheikh al-Islam Thani, Allama Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) provided the following six answers to this doubt:
➊ Rinsing the mouth (with water) cuts off the bad breath more effectively than miswak, and the consensus is that it is permissible for the fasting person.
➋ The pleasure of Allah is far greater than His liking for the scent of the fasting person's mouth.
➌ Allah's love for miswak is greater than His love for the remaining breath in the mouth of the fasting person.
➍ Miswak does not prevent the pleasant scent that Allah loves on the Day of Resurrection from the mouth of the fasting person.
➎ The bad breath does not disappear with miswak because its cause remains, which is the emptiness of the stomach.
➏ The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his Ummah what is recommended and what is disliked in fasting, but he did not list miswak as disliked during fasting.
[Zad al-Ma'ad fi Hady Khayr al-'Ibad: 4/323-324]
❀ In another narration, Sayyiduna 'Umar bin Rabi'ah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
"I saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) using miswak many times while fasting."
[Sunan Abi Dawood: 2364, Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 721, and he said: Hasan]
Although its chain is "weak" because it includes the narrator 'Asim bin Ubaidullah, who is considered "weak" by the majority of hadith scholars like Hafiz Nawawi [Khulasat al-Ahkam: 1/87], Allama Haythami [Majma' al-Zawa'id: 1/150], and Hafiz Ibn Hajar [Al-Nukat 'ala Kitab Ibn al-Salah: 1/73]. However, from general hadith, it is established that the Prophet (peace be upon him) frequently used miswak while fasting, as we have already mentioned with reference to Imam al-Nasa'i (may Allah have mercy on him).
Benefit No. ④:
Abu Salamah, a Tabi'i, narrates:
"Sayyiduna Zaid bin Khalid (may Allah be pleased with him) would attend the prayers in the mosque with the miswak placed behind his ear, like a pen behind the ear of a writer. He would not stand for prayer without using the miswak first, then returning it to its place."
[Sunan Abi Dawood: 47, Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 23, and he said: Hasan]
However, its chain is "weak" because it includes the narrator Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar, who was known for "tadlis" (concealing the source of his narration) and is narrating without clear evidence of hearing.
❀ In Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi [1/61], there is also a marfu' narration mentioning the Prophet (peace be upon him) placing the miswak on his ear.However, this narration is also "weak" due to the tadlis of Muhammad bin Ishaq and Sufyan al-Thawri.
Benefit No. ⑤:
A hadith mentions:
"A prayer performed with miswak is better than seventy prayers performed without miswak."
[Musnad Imam Ahmad: 6/272, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 137, Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahihayn by Al-Hakim: 1/146]
However, its chain is "weak" because it includes both Muhammad bin Ishaq and Muhammad bin Shihab, who are "mudallis" (practicing tadlis) and did not clarify that they heard it directly.
◈ That is why Imam Ibn Khuzaymah expressed doubt about its authenticity, saying:
"If this narration is authentic... because I fear that Muhammad bin Ishaq did not hear it directly from Muhammad bin Muslim but rather concealed the source."
◈ Imam al-Bayhaqi said the same.
[Al-Sunan al-Kubra: 1/38]
❀ Another chain for this narration exists in Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi [1/38], but it is also "weak" because it includes the narrator Muhammad bin 'Umar al-Waqidi, who is considered "weak" by the majority of hadith scholars. Imam al-Bayhaqi himself classified it as "weak."
❀ A third chain exists in Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi [1/38], but it is also "weak" due to the presence of the narrator Farj bin Fadala, who is "weak."
[Taqreeb al-Tahdheeb by Ibn Hajar: 5383]
◈ Imam al-Bayhaqi said:
"This chain is not strong."
◈ Imam Yahya bin Ma'in said:
"The hadith stating that a prayer with miswak is better than a prayer without miswak is not authentic; it is false."
[Al-Tamheed by Ibn 'Abd al-Barr: 7/200]
In conclusion, this narration is "weak" with all its chains, as Hafiz Ibn Hajar said:
"Its chains are flawed."
[Talkhees al-Habeer: 1/68, Hadith: 69]
◄ However, a similar statement is found from the Tabi'i Hasan bin Atiyyah, who said:
"It is said:
Two rak'ahs in which a person uses miswak are better than seventy rak'ahs in which miswak is not used."
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 1/169, with a Sahih chain]
Benefit No. ⑥:
It is attributed to Sayyiduna Mu'adh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say:
"The best miswak is the one made from the blessed olive tree. It purifies the mouth and removes dental decay. It is my miswak and the miswak of the prophets before me."
[Al-Mu'jam al-Awsat by al-Tabarani: 1/210, Hadith: 678]
However, this narration is fabricated (mawdu') because:
① Its narrator, Muhammad bin Muhsin al-'Ukashi, is a "liar."
◈ Imam al-Daraqutni said about him:
"He is abandoned, fabricates hadith."
[Su'alat al-Barqani lil-Daraqutni: 459]
② Ma'lal bin Nafeel al-Harani, about whom Hafiz Haythami said:
"I have not found anyone who mentioned him."
[Majma' al-Zawa'id: 2/100]
Thus, the virtue of olive miswak is not established. Traders often exploit this fabricated narration by displaying it, but it has no basis in authentic sources.