Rejecting the Notion That a Miswak Shorter Than a Handspan is Disliked

Hadith References:​

① The Importance of Miswak
Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"If I did not find it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak with every wudu."
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 140, Musnad Ahmad: 2/517)

Another narration states:

"If I did not find it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak at every prayer."
(Sahih Bukhari: 887, where the phrase used is ‘كل صلواة’ instead of ‘عند كل صلوٰة’.)

② The Practice of the Prophet (ﷺ)​

Hudhayfa (رضي الله عنه) narrated:

"Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) woke up at night, he would clean his mouth with a miswak."
(Sahih Bukhari: 245, 889, 1136; Sahih Muslim: 255)

Abu Musa (رضي الله عنه) reported:

"I entered upon the Prophet (ﷺ), and he had a miswak on his tongue."
(Sahih Muslim: 254)

In another narration from Abu Dawood, it is mentioned:

"We came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to request transportation, and I saw him using the miswak on his tongue."
(Sunan Abu Dawood: 49, classified as Sahih)

Key Points and Benefits:​

① Miswak is a Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ)​

• It not only cleanses the mouth but also earns the pleasure of Allah.
• It is highly recommended before prayer, after waking up, and before sleeping.

② Miswak Can Be Used While Walking or Sitting​

• It is permissible to use miswak while walking, but it is preferable to sit in a suitable place to avoid spitting in inappropriate areas.

③ Miswak Before Wudu and Sleeping is Beneficial​

• Using miswak before wudu enhances cleanliness.
• Using it before sleeping and after waking up maintains hygiene and freshness.

④ The Size of the Miswak is Not Specified in Hadith​

• There is no authentic evidence that a miswak must be of a specific length.
• Claims such as "a miswak shorter than a handspan is disliked" or "Satan sits on a miswak longer than a handspan" have no basis in authentic Islamic teachings.
• The ideal miswak is one that is comfortable to hold and effectively cleans the mouth.

⑤ Seeking Help from a Leader is Permissible​

• The hadith from Abu Dawood also highlights that it is permissible to ask one’s leader or authority figure for necessary provisions such as transportation.

Conclusion​

The length of a miswak is not a religious restriction. It is not disliked to use a miswak shorter than a handspan, and the claim that Satan sits on a longer miswak is baseless. The miswak should simply be of a practical size that efficiently cleans the mouth. This practice is a Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and holds both spiritual and hygienic benefits.

Reference: This content is derived from the book "Diya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi-Ahadith al-Ahkam" by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.