Using Miswak is Sunnah - Dawat-e-Islami · Regarding this blessed Ayah, on page 671, in Tafseer...

Using Miswak is Sunnah Translated into English by Majlis-e-Tarajim (Dawat-e-Islami)

1

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Using Miswak is Sunnah

صحبك يـا حبيـب ا�� لك وا

ا و�

ا�� يك يا رسول

م عل

� وة والس�

ل لص� ا

ــحبك صــك وا ل

ا ــور ا�� و� ــا ن ي

يك يـا نـب� ا�� م عل

� وة والس�

ل لص� ا

ف عتك

نويت سن�ت ا)

Translation: I have made the intention of Sunnah I’tikaf.

Whenever you enter a Masjid, upon remembering, make the intention of Nafl

I’tikaf because as long as you stay in the Masjid you will keep obtaining the

reward of Nafl (supererogatory) I’tikaf, and eating and drinking will also

become permissible for you in the Masjid.

Excellence of Salat-‘Alan-Nabi �

Shaykh Majduddeen Feerozabadi �� has stated: When you sit in a

gathering and recite دـبس م� م

� ا��

� الر�حـمن الر�حيم و صل م ا�� , Allah �� will

designate an angel that will keep you from backbiting. When you depart from

that gathering and recite دـبس م� م

� ا��

� الر�حـمن الر�حيم و صل م ا�� , the angel will

keep others from backbiting against you. (Al-Qaul-ul-Badi’, pp. 278)

ودر شا! تم پہ کروڑوں د شکل کرے م م اے اف وہ رہ سنگالخ، اہ! یہ پا شاخ شاخ

بيب ال

وا �

5د صل م�

م �

تعا6 ا��

� صل


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Dear Islamic brothers! Before listening to the Bayan, let’s make good

intentions for attaining rewards. The Beloved Rasool �� ! has said,

‘ مؤمن خي من عملهني� الة ’ The intention of a believer is better than his action.

(Al-Mu’jam-ul-Kabeer, vol. 6, pp. 185, Hadees 5942)

Two Madani pearls

� Without a good intention, no reward is granted for a good deed.

� The more righteous intentions one makes the greater reward he will attain.

Intentions of listening to the Bayan

1. Lowering my eyes, I will listen to the Bayan attentively.

2. Instead of resting against a wall etc., I will sit as I sit in Tashahhud as

long as possible with the intention of showing respect for religious

knowledge.

3. I will make room for others by folding my hands and limbs and by

moving slightly.

4. If someone pushes me, I will remain patient and calm and avoid staring,

snapping, and arguing with them.

5. When I hear وا5بيبصل

ال

� روا ا�� ,

كذ ا�� ,ا

etc., I will reply loudly with ,توبوا ا6

the intention of gaining reward and encouraging others to also recite.

6. After the Bayan, I will approach other people by making Salam, shaking

hands, and for making individual efforts upon them.

بيب ال

وا �

5د صل م�

م �

تعا6 ا��

� صل


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Victory in battle by virtue of Miswak

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin Mubarak �� divided his life into three parts.

One year he �� would go to perform Hajj, one year he �� would go to participate in battle and one year he � �� would give Dars

of Islamic knowledge. Once he �� participated in a battle in which

Muslims were not able to conquer the fort of unbelievers. Worried about it,

he fell asleep and saw in a dream that the Beloved Rasool � �� ! ��

saying: O ‘Abdullah! What are you worried about? Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin

Mubarak �� replied: Ya Rasoolallah � �� ! �� ! We are trying

our best but unable to conquer this fort. I am worried about it. The Beloved

Rasool �� ! � �� said: Perform Wudu with Miswak. Sayyiduna

‘Abdullah Bin Mubarak � �� woke from the dream; performed Wudu

with Miswak and ordered Salah-offering people to use Miswak.

When the security guards of the fort saw Ghazis (title of a Muslim fighting

against non-Muslims) using Miswak, Allah �� put a fear into their hearts.

They went downstairs and told the chiefs of the fort: The army down there

seems to be man-eaters; they are sharpening their teeth so that they can eat

us after defeating. Allah �� put this terror into their hearts and they sent a

messenger to Muslims with a message: Do you want wealth or life?

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin Mubarak � �� replied: [We] neither want

money nor life; you all embrace Islam, you will get salvation. By virtue of the

blessing of this Sunnah they all embraced Islam and became Muslims.

Dear Islamic brothers! By virtue of the blessing of one Sunnah [use of

Miswak] not only did Muslims achieve the victory, but the enemies also

embraced Islam and became Muslims. No doubt, our victory and success lie

in the beautiful ways and Sunnah of the Beloved Rasool � �� ! � �� . If we

want to regain the lost glory and dignity and the dominance of Islam, we will

have to practice every Sunnah of the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� . For

making [Muslims] obey His Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� Allah �� has

stated in Ayah 21 of Surah Al-Ahzaab:


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:; �� <� <= �> �� +

Translation from Kanz-ul-Iman: Indeed following the Noble Rasool of Allah is

better for you. (Part 21, Surah Al-Ahzaab, Ayah 21)

Mufti Na’eemuddin Muradabadi �� has said: Obey him well and help

the religion, Islam. Do not stop supporting the Beloved Rasool � �� ! ��

and be patient on troubles and follow the Sunnahs of the Beloved Rasool

� �� ! �� . These acts are better.

Regarding this blessed Ayah, on page 671, in Tafseer Noor-ul-‘Irfan, Mufti

Ahmad Yar Khan � �� has said: It has become obvious that the blessed

life of the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� is a role model for all humans,

covering every aspect of life. It may also signify that Allah �� has made the

blessed life of the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� a model of His Divinity. A

skilled worker uses all his skills on the sample. It has become clear that the

successful life is the one which is spent by following in the footsteps of the

Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� . If we perform all of our deeds by following in

the footsteps of the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� , so all these deeds will

become worship. A sample has five things: (1) It is completed from every

perspective. (2) It is kept safe from external dust. (3) It is not hidden. (4) The

manufacturer gets pleased with the one who praises it. (5) He gets displeased

when someone points out faults in it.

These five things are found in the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� . Islamic

scholars have said: The true believer who possesses these attributes—

obedience to the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� , expectation from Allah

�� and Zikr of Allah �� in abundance, he will have a very good time in the

world and the Hereafter, because he will be blessed with patience on

troubles and thankfulness in comfort.


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Best path

The Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� himself said: ‘ �� د� دی ه� دی ل�ه� خ� م� ح� م� ’ The best

path is the path of Muhammad ( � �� ! �� ).

(Al-Ihsan bittarteeb Sahih Ibn Habbaan, vol. 1, pp. 106, Hadees 10)

Sign of loving Allah

Practising Sunnah is the source of having complete faith [Iman] and attaining

the closeness to the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� in Jannah. Every Muslim

will desire to attain these blessings. Therefore they should study attentively

the sayings, deeds, circumstances and blessed life history of the Beloved

Rasool � �� ! �� and should spend their life by obeying him and acting

upon his Sunnah.

Sayyiduna Sahl Bin ‘Abdullah Tustari �� has said: The sign of loving

Allah �� is to love the Holy Quran and the sign of loving the Holy Quran is

to love the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� ; the sign of loving the Beloved

Rasool �! � �� is to love his blessed Sunnah and the sign of loving

blessed Sunnah is to love the Hereafter; and the sign of loving the Hereafter

is to bear enmity towards the world. (Tafseer Qurtubi, vol. 4, pp. 60, 61)

Bought a Miswak for a dinar [gold coin]

Our pious saints �� "�� # $ �# �� # �� would love very much the Sunnah of the Beloved

Rasool � �� ! �� and would not even care for their possession in order

to perform them.

Sayyiduna ‘Abdul Wahhab Sha’rani � �� has narrated: Once Sayyiduna

Abu Bakr Shibli Baghdadi �� felt the need of a Miswak during Wudu.

He looked for it, but could not find it. Therefore, he � �� bought a

Miswak for a dinar (one coin of gold) and used it. Some people said: You have

spent so much! Who pays so much for a Miswak? Should one spend so much

for a Miswak? He �� replied: Undoubtedly, this world along with all

that it contains do not worth even that of the wing of a mosquito in the court

of Allah �� . What will I answer if, on the Day of Judgement, Allah ��


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asks me, ‘Why did you miss the Sunnah (Miswak) of My Beloved Rasool

�� ! �� ?’ What will I answer if, on the Day of Judgment, Allah �� asks me, ‘Whatever wealth and possession I gave you was not even equal to a

wing of a mosquito [before Me], so why didn’t you spend such insignificant

wealth on accomplishing that great Sunnah (Miswak)?’ (Lawaqa-ul-Anwaar, pp. 38)

نکالو عادتیں کی گناہوں! یا مصطفے کا پیروی کی سنت ہو عطا مجھے جذبہ بچانا مجھے تو سے دنیا حب !هللا کا محمدی عشق میں یا خدا ہوں سائل

Acted upon Sunnah at the time of demise

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli �� would strictly follow Sunnah. He

�� would do every work according to Sunnah, even at the time of his

demise he �� did not miss Sunnah. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin ‘Ali

Tameemi �� has said: I asked the servant [Sayyiduna Ja’far Bin Nusayr

Bakraan Daynoori �� ] of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli �� : What

did you see in Sayyiduna Shibli � �� at the time of his demise? He

replied: Sayyiduna Shibli �� told me: I had to pay debt of one dirham to

a distressed person, but I did not know him. I have given Sadaqah of thousands

of dirhams on behalf of him [lender]. I have no other worry greater than this.

He further said: Help me perform Wudu for Salah. I made him perform Wudu,

but forgot the Khilal of the beard. He � �� had lost his voice that time,

that’s why he held my hand and made it enter my beard (so that I could make

Khilal of his beard.), then he �� passed away. Having mentioned it,

Sayyiduna Ja’far started weeping and said: What do you say about that person

who did not miss any of the Sunan of the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� even

in the last stage of his life? (Risalah Qushayriyyah, pp. 339)

والے مدینے مدنی منڈانا داڑھیاں سبھی مولی چھوڑیں بھائی میرے جذبہ کا سنتوں ملے والے مدینے مدنی لگانا تو گلے چلے کر نکل جب روح مری کر چل پہ سنتوں تری


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Dear Islamic brothers! Our pious saints �� "�� # $ �# �� # �� would worship Allah ��

and follow the Sunnah of Rasool regularly. Death throes could not reduce the

enthusiasm and passion for acting upon Sunnah. That’s why they have

attained such an exalted and elevated rank by the bestowal of Allah �� that

the Islamic world has accepted them their Imam and Muslims will continue to

pay tributes to them.

On the Day of Judgment, a day will be equal to 50,000 years; the sky will

break; the stars will drop; the moon and the sun will lose Noor [light]; the

earth will be of copper; people will be emaciated due to the intensity of hunger;

their tongue will dry due to thirst; they will be perspiring heavily; nobody will

be solicitous about anyone; mother and father, son and daughter, brother

and sister, husband and wife, friends, in short, no one will help each other.

Under such circumstances, the fortunate people, who followed the Sunnah of

the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� and acted upon the Sunnah which were

being practised by very few people in the mortal worldly life of few days, so

��%&'�( �)��##$ � �� they will be given good news of forgiveness and entrance to

Paradise on the Judgment Day.

The blessed Hadees has been mentioned on page 55 of an 88-page book

namely, ‘Saya-e-‘Arsh kis kis ko Milay Ga’ [Who will Get the Shade of Arsh?]

published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah, the publishing department of Dawat-e-

Islami: Sayyiduna Anas Bin Maalik �� *�# ��+ has narrated: Umm-ul-Mu`mineen

Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah Siddiqah �� *� ��"�+�� humbly requested the Beloved

Rasool � �� ! �� : Ya Rasoolallah � �� ! �� ! Who will be close to

Allah �� in the valleys of Paradise? The Beloved Rasool � �� ! ��

replied: The one who revives my Sunnah and will remove the trouble of my

distressed follower (Ummati), these Sunnahs will take him to Paradise after

saving him from all the troubles.

سے شان اس لہداخ ہKرا ہوگا میں خلد گے جائیں لگاتے نعرہ کا هللا رسول یا


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Blessed Ahadees about the virtues of Miswak

Dear Islamic brothers! Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan �� has said: Miswak

means ‘rub’; it is an instrument of rubbing teeth. In Shari’ah, Miswak is a

piece of wood that is used to clean teeth. It is Sunnah that Miswak should not

be from a tree that produces fruit or flowers, but rather it should be from a

tree having bitter taste. Thickness of Miswak should be equal to that of the

little finger. It should not be longer than one’s hand span; it should be used to

brush teeth horizontally, not vertically; a toothless person and women should

move [clean their teeth with finger] a finger.

It is Mustahab for women to use Sakra or Missi (a tree bark) instead of

Miswak; they should clean their teeth with a finger because their gums are

weak. Using Miswak is a Sunnah on these occasions: During Wudu, before

reciting the Holy Quran, when teeth become yellowish, when bad smell

comes from the mouth due to being hungry, or being quiet for a long time, or

due to being wakeful. (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 1, pp. 274, 278)

Miswak is a very important Sunnah which has been highly emphasized to

practise. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas �� *�# $ �# �� # ��# �� # �+# �"� �, has narrated: The Beloved Rasool

� �� ! �� said: No doubt, I have been commanded for Miswak so much

that I fear lest a revelation is sent to me about Miswak.

(Musnad Imam Ahmad, vol. 1, pp. 658, Hadees 2799)

Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas �� *�# $ �# �� # ��# �� # �+# �"��, has narrated: Once someone humbly said

to the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� , ‘Ya Rasoolallah � �� ! �� ! This

time Sayyiduna Jibra`eel - �. ��/#�� 01� � ��2#�� #� �#�� has taken much time to come to you?

The Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� said: Why should he not delay as you

[people] sitting around me do not use Miswak, cut nails, trim moustache and

clean the roots of your fingers. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, vol. 5, pp. 104, Hadees 2072)

Sayyiduna Abu Umamah has narrated that the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� said, ‘Use Miswak because Miswak has purification of the mouth and the

pleasure of Allah �� . Whenever [Sayyiduna] Jibra`eel came to me, he

advised me to use Miswak to such an extent that I feared lest it should

become Fard for me and for my Ummah and if I had not had the fear of my

Ummah’s struggle, I would have made the use of Miswak Fard for them and


9

undoubtedly, I use Miswak to such an extent that I feared lest I waste my

front teeth.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah, vol. 1, pp. 1186, Hadees 289)

Ameer-ul-Mu`mineen, Sayyiduna ‘Ali-ul-Murtada �4 �5# �6# �� #�"#�� #��#�� #$ �#�� - ��5#�7 has

narrated: [The Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� ] would have made the use of

Miswak Fard with every Wudu and in some narrations the word ‘Fard’ has

also been found. (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Awsat, vol. 1, pp. 341, Hadees 1238)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah and Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khalid Juhani �� *�# $ �# �� # ��# �� # �+# �"��,

have narrated: [The Beloved Rasool �� ! � �� ] would have ordered to

use Miswak with every Salah. (Jami’ Tirmizi, vol. 14, pp. 100, Hadees 22, 23)

i.e. [The Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� ] would have made it Fard

(mandatory), that is, there would have been no Salah without using [brushing

teeth with] Miswak. It has been learnt that Allah �� made the Beloved

Rasool � �� ! �� the one who commands, that is, it is up to him whether

he makes [something] Fard or not. (Mirat-ul-Manajih, pp. 280)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah �� *�# ��+ has said: Since I heard this saying of the

Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� , I use Miswak before going to bed, after

getting up and before eating a meal. (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 4, pp. 278, Hadees 2516)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah �� *�# ��+ has narrated: The blessed companions

�� *�# $ �# �� # ��# �� # �+# �"� used to keep Miswak on their ears and used to do [brush teeth

with] Miswak before every Salah. (Bazl-ul-Majhood, vol. 3, pp. 1)

It is stated about Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khalid Juhani �� *�# ��+ that he used to

come to Masjid with a Miswak on his ear as a pen is seen on the ear of a

Munshee (clerk); whenever he �� *�# ��+ offered Salah he used [brushing

teeth with] Miswak first and then kept it at the same place.

(Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 1, pp. 280)

Sayyiduna Imam ‘Abdul Wahhab Sha’rani �� has said: We were asked

to make promise to use [brush teeth with] Miswak regularly before performing

every Wudu and offering every Salah, though if majority of us have to hang

Miswak on a string around our necks or tie/hang it with an ‘Imamah provided

that ‘Imamah is tied around the bandana. If a person is wearing a Topi, he


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should tie ‘Imamah firmly around it and fix the Miswak in the ‘Imamah on the

side of the left ear. (‘Imamah kay Fazaail, pp. 402)

Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub �� *�# ��+ has narrated: The Beloved and Blessed

Rasool � �� ! �� said: 4 things are amongst the Sunnahs of Ambiya: (1)

Modesty (2) Applying fragrance (3) Miswak (4) Nikah [Islamic marriage].

Remember, here the number ‘4’ is not used to confine [the Sunan of Ambiya

to only 4], but rather there are many other Sunan of Ambiya; these four are

out of them. (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 1, pp. 278)

Sayyiduna Abu Umamah �� *�# ��+ has narrated that the Beloved Rasool

� �� ! �� said: Whenever [Sayyiduna] Jibra`eel - �. ��/#�� 01� � ��2#�� #� �#�� came to

me (for teaching Sunnahs on behalf of Allah �� ), he asked me to use

Miswak (due to his act of humbly saying it repeatedly] I feared lest I peel the

front part of my mouth. (Mishkat-ul-Masabih, vol. 1, pp. 123, Hadees 386)

Sayyiduna Anas �� *�# ��+ has narrated that the Beloved Rasool � �� ! ��

said: I asked you a lot about Miswak. (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 3, pp. 406, Hadees 839) i.e. I

have asked repeatedly and advised you in every way to use Miswak; sometimes

I mentioned its religious advantages and sometimes worldly. Further, I have

always practised it so that you always use Miswak too. It has been learnt that

using [brushing teeth with] Miswak is not Fard, otherwise the manner of

mentioning it would have been different.

It has been stated in an elaboration on a blessed Hadees: It has the goodness

of the world and religion. Remember, here Miswak means a Muslim’s use of

Miswak with the intention of worship; unbeliever’s [brushing teeth with]

Miswak and the Miswak of the Muslims [who use it to clean their teeth]

though will clean the mouth, but it will not become the means of attaining

Allah’s pleasure. Further, though Miswak has both religious and worldly

advantages, here only two advantages have been mentioned or because

these two are very important or the remaining advantages are also included

in these both. Cleanliness of the mouth strengthens the stomach and brings

salvation from countless diseases. Best of all, if Allah �� is pleased, then

what deficiency is left? (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 1, pp. 277)


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Angels place mouth on mouth

The Beloved Rasool �� ! said: When anyone of you stands at night

to offer Salah, he should clean his teeth with a Miswak because when he

recites the Quran an angel places his mouth on his and anything coming out

of his mouth enters the mouth of that angel. (Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, vol. 9, pp. 319)

It has been narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub Ansari ��+�� *�: There is

nothing more troublesome for both angels than seeing their companion

offering Salah with pieces of food stuck in his teeth.

(Al-Mu’jam-ul-Kabeer, vol. 4, pp. 177)

Sayings of blessed companions and pious saints about Miswak

10 virtues of Miswak

Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas �� *�# $ �# �� # ��# �� # �+# �"��, has narrated: There are 10 virtues of

Miswak: It cleans the mouth, strengthens the gums, strengthens the eyesight,

removes phlegm, removes bad breath; it is in accordance with the Sunnah;

the angels become happy; Allah �� becomes pleased; it increases virtues

and restore the stomach to health. (Jam’-ul-Jawami’, vol. 5, pp. 249, Hadees 14867)

Miswak is amongst the Sunnah of Deen [Islam]

Sayyiduna Imam-e-A’zam Abu Hanifah Nu’man Bin Saabit �� *�# ��+ has

narrated: ‘ ي�ن� لد� �� و�ک� م�ن� س� �ن� لس� ’ Miswak is from the Sunnahs of Islam.

(‘Umda-ul-Qaari, vol. 6, pp. 261, Hadees 887)

Sayyiduna Imam Shaafi’i �� has said: Four things increase the

intelligence: Abstaining from useless talks, the use of Miswak, the company

of pious people and acting upon the knowledge one possesses.

(Ihya-ul-‘Uloom, vol. 3, pp. 27)

Miswak is most important thing

Imam-ul-Muhaddiseen, Imam-ul-Awliya Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin Mubarak

�� has said: If all the people of any village stop using the Sunnah of


12

‘Miswak’, we will fight against them in a way we fight against the Murtadeen

[apostates] so that people do not dare to give up the Sunnah of Miswak,

whereas it is one of the commandments of Islam.

(Fatawa-e-Razawiyyah, vol. 1, pp. 57)

Using Miswak for women?

Umm-ul-Mu`mineen Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah ��"�+�� *� has narrated: When the

Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� would give me the Miswak for using and

washing, I would use it myself at first (for attaining blessing) and then, after

washing, I would give it to the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� .

(Abu Dawood, vol. 1, pp. 52, Hadees 52)

A’la Hadrat �� has said: For women, Miswak is the Sunnah of Umm-ul-

Mu`mineen, Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah Siddiqah ��"�+�� *�, but there is no harm if

they do not use it. As compared to men, the teeth and gums of women are

weaker; for them Missi (a kind of herbal tooth powder) is sufficient. (Malfuzaat

A’la Hadrat, pp. 357)

بيب ال

وا �

5د صل م�

م �

تعا6 ا��

� صل

Weekly Madani Muzakarah

It is a Madani request to you to attend these Madani Muzakarahs and also

motivate other Islamic brothers to do so as well. Attending the Madani

Muzakarah is also a weekly Madani activity that is one of the 12 Madani

activities of Zayli Halqahs. Remember! Conducting Ijtima’ for delivering Islamic

teachings is a method of our pious predecessors.

It is reported that Sayyiduna Shaykh Muhiyyuddin Sayyid ‘Abdul Qaadir

Jeelani �� also taught Islamic teachings to the people for 40 years.

(Bahjat-ul-Asraar, pp. 184)

And he �� himself stated, ‘On my hand, more than 500 non-believers

embraced Islam and more than one hundred thousand robbers, thieves,


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people indulged in immoral activities, cruel people and innovators in religion

repented on my hands. (Bahjat-ul-Asraar, pp. 184)

Through the blessings and favours of Sayyiduna Shaykh ‘Abdul Qaadir Jeelani

�� , Shaykh-e-Tareeqat, Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, ‘Allamah Maulana

Abu Bilal Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qaadiri #� �#� ��#��#� �� #�"#��#�8 �5#�9 �:#�;��< also gives the Madani

pearls of advices through these Madani Muzakarahs. � �� # �, �=#� �> �# $ �# �� , these Madani

Muzakarahs are not only a source of receiving precious information, but also

through its blessings, many people come on right path and many people of

corrupt beliefs and those who are non-practicing, repent of their corrupt

beliefs and deeds and become practicing Muslims, of correct beliefs.

بيب ال

وا �

5د صل م�

م �

تعا6 ا��

� صل

The one who values Miswak

Dear Islamic brothers! There are many Sunnahs in Wudu and each Sunnah is

a source of blessings. Let’s take the example of Miswak. Even children know

that use of Miswak in Wudu is Sunnah. How can words fully express the

blessings of this Sunnah! A businessman says, ‘I met a new Muslim in

Switzerland and I gifted him a Miswak. He became happy. He kissed the

Miswak and then touched it to his eyes. Tears welled up in his eyes. He then

took out a handkerchief from his pocket and unfolded it. On it was a small

Miswak approximately two inches in length. He said that when he embraced

Islam, he was given that as a gift; he used it with great care and it was nearly

finished up, making him anxious. It was by the grace of Allah �� that he

received another gift of Miswak from him, i.e. the businessman.

Then he added that he had chronic infection in his teeth and gums. The

dentists had no cure for it. He started to use the Miswak and after a few days,

he felt better. He went to see the doctor who was very surprised to see that

he was cured. The doctor said that he could not be cured in such a short

period of time with the medicine he had prescribed. Just recall what he had

used. He pondered and recalled that he had become a Muslim and had


14

recently started to use the Miswak. Due to use of the Miswak, he was blessed

and healed. When he showed the Miswak to the doctor, he was astonished.’

Medical advantages of Miswak

Dear Islamic brothers! Miswak has countless worldly and the Hereafter

benefits. It contains many chemical components which protect the teeth

from every type of infection. Sayyiduna ‘Ali-ul-Murtada, Sayyiduna ‘Ata and

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin ‘Abbas �� *�# $ �# �� # ��# �� # �+# �"� have said: Use of Miswak

strengthens memory, cures headache and relaxes the veins in the head; it

eliminates phlegm, improves eyesight, rectifies stomach and helps digest

food; it fortifies intellect, increases the number of the birth of one’s children,

delays ageing and strengthens the back. (Haashiyah Tahtaawi, pp. 38)

Miswak is a cure for every disease

Umm-ul-Mu`mineen, Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah Siddiqah ��"�+�� *� has said:

‘ لس� م� لس� م� و� �ال� �ل� د�ء� ف� ء' م�ن� & و�ک� ش� و�*� ،�لس� �ل�م� ’ Miswak is a cure for every disease except

death. (Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, vol. 5, pp. 137, Hadees 26159)

Miswak improves fluency of speech

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah �� *�# ��+ has narrated: ‘ � و�≈� ي�ز ي�د� لر�ج�ل� ف�ص� ح�ة- �لس� ’ Miswak

increases the eloquence of one’s speech.

(Musnad-ush-Shahaab, vol. 1, pp. 164, Hadees 232)

Three things improve memory

Ameer-ul-Mu`mineen, Sayyiduna ‘Ali-ul-Murtada �4 �5# �6# �� #�"#�� #��#�� #$ �#�� - ��5#�7 has said:

Three things improve the memory and removes phlegm: (1) using Miswak (2)

observing Sawm (3) reciting the Holy Quran. (Islah-e-A’maal, vol. 1, pp. 277)

Shaykh-ul-Islam, Ibraheem Zarnooji �� has said: Using Miswak also

removes phlegm, and increases eloquence of speech and sharpens memory.

Using Miswak is a very beautiful Sunnah and due to this, the reward of Salah

and recitation of the Holy Quran is increased. (Rah-e-‘Ilm, pp. 61)


15

It has been narrated about Sayyiduna Ibraheem Nakh’ee �� , who was

a renowned and great Taabi’i and was one of the great teachers of Sayyiduna

Imam-e-A’zam Abu Hanifah: It is said about him that whatever he �� studied he would forget. One day, he �� saw the Beloved Rasool

� �� ! �� in dream and humbly requested: O Rasoolallah � �� ! �� !

Whatever I study I forget; I cannot remember things. The Beloved Rasool

� �� ! �� said: Do these things regularly: Eat less, sleep less, recite the

Holy Quran abundantly, offer Salah abundantly, perform a new Wudu for

every Salah and use Miswak for every Wudu.

Sayyiduna Ibraheem Nakh’ee �� stated: When I woke up and acted

upon the advice of the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� , so after some time, I

became Imam and spiritual leader of people. (Salat Mas’oodi, pp. 106)

گئے ہو امام کے وقت گئےہو غالم جو کے انCure of mouth blisters

Physicians’ opinions: Sometimes, due to heat and the acidity of stomach

blisters appear inside the mouth, causing a specific kind of germs to spread

[inside the mouth]. That’s why one should brush his teeth with a fresh

Miswak; he should move its saliva all over in the mouth for some time. Many

patients have recovered by doing it.

Dear Islamic brothers! It has usually been noticed that a person looks after

the thing which he considers to be more important and beneficial. He makes

arrangement to protect it so that it cannot be wasted or lost; he makes

efforts to get it. Let’s have the example of a mobile phone. Nowadays, there

is hardly any person who does not have a mobile phone rather one person

would have more than one mobile phone. A person tries his best to look after

it. Wise people try to use it in a permissible way and try to get more and

more benefits. In short, the importance of a thing differs from person to

person. Likewise, there are countless Sunan which are related to our daily life

and by acting upon them we can attain countless blessings and goodness of

the world and the Hereafter both. Miswak is one of them. We are listening to


16

its virtues and blessings. Would that we could be blessed with the enthusiasm

to practice this great Sunnah!

Hereafter benefits of Miswak

Now let’s listen to the Hereafter and worldly benefits of Miswak briefly:

� Miswak is a means of attaining the pleasure of Allah �� .

� Angels get pleased with the one who uses Miswak.

� One who uses Miswak acts upon a Sunnah.

� Miswak increases the Sawab [reward] of Salah.

� Using Miswak removes satanic thoughts.

� Miswak will serve as a companion in the grave of the Miswak-using person.

� The grave of the Miswak-using person is extended. At the time of his

death, Miswak reminds him of Kalimah.

� The soul of the fortunate Miswak-using person leaves his body easily

during death throes [i.e. severity of death].

� Angels shake hands with the fortunate person who uses Miswak.

� Using Miswak makes the heart pure.

� The ‘Arsh-holding angels pray for the forgiveness of the Miswak-using person.

� If a person goes to Salah after making Wudu with Miswak, angels follow him.

� Satan gets away and displeased because of Miswak.

� The one who uses Miswak regularly will cross Siraat bridge with the

speed of lightning.

� The Miswak- using person is blessed with courage and strength to obey

Allah �� .

� The doors of Paradise are opened for the one who uses Miswak. The

doors of the Hell are closed for him.


17

� In order to remove the soul of the one who uses Miswak, the angel of

death comes in the same appearance in which he goes to the Ambiya

- �.# ��/#�� 01� � ��2#�� "#� �#� �#�� and great pious saints.

� The one who uses Miswak will be privileged to drink that wine from

Paradise which is called ‘ و�م� �4 خ� ح�ي�ق� م� He will drink it .(Raheeq-e-Makhtoom) ’ر�

from the Pond Kawsar of the Beloved Rasool � �� ! �� .

Worldly benefits of Miswak

� Miswak purifies the mouth.

� Miswak contains cure for every disease except death.

� Miswak improves eyesight.

� Miswak strengthens gums.

� Miswak removes phlegm.

� Miswak keeps the body healthy.

� Miswak strengthens the memory.

� Miswak makes hair grow.

� Miswak improves the body colour.

� One gets rid of poverty if he always uses Miswak.

� Miswak enhances eloquence [i.e. ability to express oneself excellently]

and intellect.

� Miswak helps in the digestion of food.

� Miswak delays aging.

� Miswak strengthens the back.

� Miswak enhances intellect.

� Miswak brightens the face.

� Miswak removes headache.

� Miswak removes the harmful effects of excessive bodily fluids and make

them excrete from the body.


18

� Miswak stops [removes] molar pain.

� Miswak makes teeth shining.

� Miswak is a means of one’s number of children being increased.

Scientific benefits of Miswak

Miswak kills germs. It removes bad smell from the mouth. Sometimes, bits of

food get stuck in between the teeth which do not get removed only by

rinsing the mouth and which cause foul smell in the mouth and illnesses. The

Miswak-using person remains safe from many illnesses. New research has

revealed that there are some germs which are not removed by toothbrush

and tooth paste. They can be removed only by Miswak.

Medical science has proved that Miswak strengthens the brain and maintains

its proper functioning. Using Miswak also enhances one’s intellect and

maintains its proper functioning for a long time. If a Miswak is not used to

clean the teeth, the teeth will get unclean, causing pus to develop in molars

and in gums which may become the cause of brain diseases. Psychological

disorders are also caused by it.

Smelly teeth make gums also smelly. Pus develops in the gums, affecting the

throat and causing cough, flue, cold, fever, etc. One’s life is badly affected if

teeth are not cleaned with Miswak. Health is wealth. If a person is not

healthy, what enjoyment is there for him in life? Hence we cannot do without

Miswak. Some people suffer from the infection of tonsils; such patients can

recover from it by using Miswak daily. There are some patients who suffer

from the pain, pus and swelling of the ear. They do not get rid of this illness

even after receiving very expensive treatment. When such patients are properly

diagnosed, it becomes clear that they have pus in their gums and the whole

mouth becomes smelly. When they receive treatment for gums and brush

their teeth daily with a fresh Miswak, they also recover from ear infections.

Similarly, not cleaning the teeth plays a significant part in diseases related to

the eye and eyesight. There are several patients suffering from weak eyesight.

Besides other causes, the biggest cause of weak eyesight is carelessness in

cleaning the teeth. Medical experts have proved by means of experiments

that almost 80 per cent of diseases are caused by problems in the stomach


19

and the teeth. These days, every third person seems to be having any

stomach disease. Patients of chronic flu with congested chest or stuffy nose

feel comforted when they use Miswak because phlegm secretes from the

body by the blessing of using Miswak. It has been proved by the experiments

of pathologists that Miswak is an extremely effective treatment for chronic

flue. Miswak even reduces the chances of nose and throat surgery.

It is appropriate to use Miswak made from the branch of a tree whose

strands are soft so that they will neither cause gap between teeth nor cause

harm to the gums. The best and high quality Miswak is obtained from the

trees of Peelu, Neem and acacia and from the plant of oleander. The Miswak

of Peelu has soft strands, containing calcium and phosphorus. It grows quite

often on barren land and in deserted areas.

New scientific and medical research has proved that phosphorus is one of the

elements that provide nutrient and help to the brain. The phosphorus found

in the Miswak of Peelu reaches the brain through saliva and pores, giving

energy to the brain. The Miswak of Neem tree is also very beneficial, as it

contains cure for all diseases related to teeth. This tree is commonly found.

After Neem, the Miswak of acacia tree is beneficial. It cleans the teeth

thoroughly and protects them from bad smell and pus.

Remember! Try your best to have a fresh Miswak. If you are going to use a

used Miswak, cut the used strands of it and make new strands by chewing it.

Do you know how to use Miswak properly?

On page 294 of the chapter ‘Adaab-e-Ta’aam’ [Islamic Manners of Eating]

from his masterpiece namely, ‘Faizan-e-Sunnat’ Shaykh-e-Tareeqat, Ameer-e-

Ahl-e-Sunnat, ‘Allamah Maulana Abu Bilal Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qaadiri

Razavi Ziyaee �;��<# �9 �: # �8 �5# ��# �"# � �� # ��# � ��# � �# has mentioned: If Miswak is used correctly,

��%&'�( �)��##$ � �� the diseases of teeth will never develop. This thought may come

to your mind that I have been using the Miswak for several years but my

teeth and stomach are still disturbed. My naive Islamic brothers! It is your

own fault, not that of Miswak. I have reached the conclusion that there may

be one among millions who performs Miswak properly. Most of us just rub


20

the Miswak hurriedly on our teeth while performing Wudu. It may be said

that we practise ‘a custom of Miswak’ and do not follow its proper method.

بيب ال

وا �

5د صل م�

م �

تعا6 ا��

� صل

Dear Islamic brothers! In conclusion, I would like to get the privilege of

mentioning the excellence of Sunnah as well as some Sunan and manners.

The Rasool of Rahmah, the Intercessor of the Ummah �� ! has

said, ‘Whoever loves my Sunnah, loves me, and whoever loves me will be

with me in Jannah.’ (Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 9, pp. 343)

سینہ تری سنت کا مدینہ بنے آقا جنت میں پڑوسی مجھے تم اپنا بنانا

�

تعا6 ا��

�بيب صل

ال

وا �

5دصل م�

م

Madani pearls pertaining to Miswak

� On page 288 of the first volume of Bahar-e-Shari’at, published by

Maktaba-tul-Madinah, the publishing department of Dawat-e-Islami,

‘Allamah Maulana Mufti Muhammad Amjad ‘Ali A’zami �� has

stated, ‘The honourable scholars say that whoever uses the Miswak

regularly, will be privileged to recite the Kalimah at the time of death, and

whoever consumes opium will not be able to recite the Kalimah at the

time of death.’

� It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas ��,�"�+#�� *� that there are 10

qualities in Miswak: It cleans the mouth, strengthens the gums, strengthens

the eyesight, removes phlegm, removes bad smells of the mouth, one is

able to act upon a Sunnah by using the Miswak, the angels become happy,


21

Allah �� is pleased, it increases good deeds and improves the functioning

of the stomach. (Jam’-ul-Jawami’ lis-Suyuti, vol. 5, pp. 249, Hadees 14867)

� Miswak should be from olive or Neem or any such tree that has a bitter

taste.

� Thickness of the Miswak should be equal to the little finger.

� The Miswak should not be longer than one’s hand span as Satan sits on it.

� The strands of the Miswak should be soft; otherwise, they might cause

gaps between the teeth and gums.

� If a Miswak is fresh then it is excellent; otherwise soak it in a glass of

water until it becomes soft.

� Trim the strands of the Miswak every day as they are beneficial as long as

they have some bitterness.

� Brush your teeth horizontally with the Miswak.

� Always brush your teeth with a Miswak at least three times.

� And wash it each time.

� Hold the Miswak in the right hand in such a manner that the little finger

remains towards the lower part, and the middle three fingers remain on

it while the thumb remains towards the top (near the soft strands that

are used to brush the teeth).

� Brush (with Miswak) the upper teeth of the right side first and then the left.

Thereafter, clean the lower teeth again starting from the right and then

the left.

� To use Miswak when held in the fist can cause piles.

� Miswak is a pre-Wudu Sunnah but if one has foul breath, using the

Miswak becomes Sunnat-ul-Muakkadah. (Fatawa Razawiyyah, vol. 1, pp. 623)

� Do not throw away a used Miswak or its strands as it is used to act upon

a Sunnah. Rather, keep it somewhere respectfully, bury it or put it into

the sea.


22

To learn various Sunan, obtain the following books, Bahar-e-Shari’at part 16

comprising 312 pages and Sunnatayn aur Adaab, comprising 120 pages, both

published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah, the publishing department of Dawat-e-

Islami. One of the best ways to learn Sunan is to travel in the Madani Qafilahs

of Dawat-e-Islami with the devotees of the Beloved Rasool.

ائیں سنت کے پھول عاشقان رسول، دینے لینے چلیں، قافلے میں چلو

د] م� م �

تعا6 ا��

�بيب صل

ال

وا �

5 صل


23

The 6 Salawaat-‘Alan-Nabi and 2 Du’as that are recited in the Sunnah-inspiring

weekly Ijtima’ (congregation) of Dawat-e-Islami:

��

1. The Salat-‘Alan-Nabi for the night preceding Friday

الح�يـب للهم صل و سلم وبارك �� سيدنا محمـد ال�ـىب اال� ا

ل& و صحب& و سلم العاىل القدر العظيم الجاہ و �� ا

The saints of Islam have quoted that whoever recites this Salat-‘Alan-Nabi at

least once on the night preceding Friday [the night between Thursday and

Friday] on a regular basis will be blessed with the vision of the Beloved and

Blessed Rasool �� !�� at the time of death, as well as at the time

of his burial into the grave, to the extent that he will see the Noble Rasool

�� ! lowering him into the grave with his own merciful hands. (Afdal-us-Salawat ‘ala Sayyid-is-Sadat, pp. 151)

2. All sins forgiven

ل& وسلم للهم صل �� سيد نا و موالنا محمد و �� ا ا

It is narrated by Sayyiduna Anas ��+�� *� that the Beloved and Blessed

Rasool �� ! has stated, ‘Whoever recites this Salat upon me whilst

standing, then prior to his sitting back; and if he recites it whilst sitting, then

before he stands back, his sins will be forgiven.’ (Ibid, pp. 65)


24

3. 70 Portals of mercy

ص� الل& �� محمد

Whoever recites this Salat-‘Alan-Nabi, 70 portals of mercy are opened for

him. (Al-Qaul-ul-Badi’, pp. 277)

4. The reward of 600,000 Salawat-‘Alan-Nabi

للهم صل �� سيدنا محمد �دد ا

ما ىف �لم الل& صالة د ا ئمة بدوام ملك الل&

Shaykh Ahmad Saawi ?�<��"# �� #$ �#�� #�� reports from some saints of Islam that the

one reciting this Salat-‘Alan-Nabi once receives the reward of reciting Salat-

‘Alan-Nabi 600,000 times. (Afdal-us-Salawat ‘ala Sayyid-is-Sadat, pp. 149)

5. Nearness to the Distinguished Rasool �

للهم صل �� محمد کما تحب و تر; ل& ا

One day somebody came [to the blessed court of the Beloved and Blessed

Rasool �� !], and the Noble Rasool �� ! made him sit

in between himself and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq ��+#�� *�. The respected

companions ��"�+#�� #$ �#�� *� were surprised as to who that honoured person

was. When he had left, the Beloved Rasool �� ! said, ‘When he

recites Salat upon me, he does so in these words.’ (Al-Qaul-ul-Badi’, pp. 125)


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6. Durood-e-Shafa’at

ب عند نزل& المقعد المقر للCم صل �� محمد و ا يوم القيامة ك ا

The Greatest Rasool �� !�� has stated: The one who recites this

Salat upon me, my intercession will become Wajib for him.

(Attargheeb Wattarheeb, vol. 2, pp. 329, Hadees 31)

1. Good deeds for 1000 days

جزی الل& عنا محمدا ما هو اهل&

It is narrated by Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas ��,�"�+�� *� that the Noble Rasool

�� ! has stated, ‘For the reciter of above supplication, seventy

angels write good deeds (in his account) for 1000 days.’

(Majma’-uz-Zawaid, pp. 254, vol. 10, Hadees 17305)

2. An easy way to spend every night in worship

The following narration has been mentioned on page 187 of Gharaib-ul-Quran,

‘If anyone recites the following Du’a three times at night it is as if he has

found Layla-tul-Qadr.’ We should recite it every night. Here is the Du’a:

الحليم الجلريم Iال اله اال ا

بع و رب العرش العظيم موت الس رب الس Iسبحن ا

Translation: There is none worthy of worship except Allah �� Who is

ريم‘ and ’حليم‘�� Allah .’ك �� is ‘سبحان’, Rab of the seven skies and Rab of the

magnificent ‘Arsh.

Using Miswak is Sunnah - Dawat-e-Islami · Regarding this blessed Ayah, on page 671, in Tafseer...

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Transcript of Using Miswak is Sunnah - Dawat-e-Islami · Regarding this blessed Ayah, on page 671, in Tafseer...