اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أَسْألُكَ إيماناً لا يَرْتَدُّ، ونَعِيماً لا يَنفَدُ، ومُرَافقَةَ نَبيِّنَا محمِّدٍ صلَّى الله عَليْهِ وسَلَّمَ في أعْلَى دَرَجَةِ مِنَ الجَنَّةِ جَنَّةِ الخُلْدِ

Siwaak / Miswaak

سِوَاكٌ‏ : في ‏(‏الصحيحين‏)‏ عنه صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏(‏لَوْلا أن أَشُقَّ على أُمَّتى لأَمَرْتُهُمْ بالسِّواكِ عند كُلِّ صلاةٍ‏)‏‏.‏ وفيهما‏:‏ أنه صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا قامَ من اللَّيل يَشُوصُ فَاهُ بالسِّوَاكِ‏.‏ وفى ‏(‏صحيح البخارى‏)‏ تعليقاً عنه صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏(‏السِّوَاكُ مَطْهَرَةٌ لِلْفَمِ، مَرْضَاةٌ للرَّبِّ‏)‏‏.‏ وفى ‏(‏صحيح مسلم‏)‏‏:‏ أنه صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا دَخَلَ بيته، بدأ بِالسِّوَاكِ‏.‏ والأحاديثُ فيه كثيرة، وصَحَّ عنه من حديث أنه استاك عند موته بسواك عبد الرحمن بن أبى بكر، وصَحَّ عنه أنه قال‏:‏ ‏(‏أكْثَرْتُ عَلَيْكُم في السِّوَاكِ‏)‏‏.‏ ‏

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote: In the Sahihayn (the two authentic collections of Hadith, i.e., Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim), it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "If it were not for the fact that it would be difficult for my Ummah, I would have ordered them to use the Siwaak/Miswaak (tooth-stick) before every prayer." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). It is also narrated in both collections that when the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم got up during the night, he would use the Siwaak/Miswaak to clean his mouth.

In Sahih al-Bukhari (in a detached narration), the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "The Siwaak/Miswaak is a purifier for the mouth and it is pleasing to Allah."

The Siwaak/Miswaak is a traditional teeth-cleaning tool derived from the Arak tree, and it has been recommended for oral hygiene in Islam due to its many health benefits. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم highly encouraged its use as it purifies the mouth and pleases Allah. In Sahih Muslim, it is narrated that when the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم entered his house, he would begin with using the Siwaak/Miswaak. There are many narrations about its benefits and usage. It is also confirmed that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used the Siwaak/Miswaak of Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Bakr at the time of his death. He also said: "Use the Siwaak/Miswaak frequently."

The best Siwaak/Miswaak is made from the wood of the arak tree or similar trees. It should not be taken from unknown or harmful trees, as some may be poisonous. It is important to use the Siwaak/Miswaak in moderation. If overused, it can wear down the enamel of the teeth, making them more prone to absorb bad odors and waste, affecting the overall cleanliness. When used with balance, however, it can clean the teeth, strengthen the gums, freshen the breath, improve digestion, and prevent tooth decay. It also improves speech and helps with the clarity of the mind and taste. The best way to use Siwaak/Miswaak is to moisten it with rose water. One of the benefits of using the Siwaak/Miswaak is that if used regularly, it clears the head, sharpens the senses, and improves mental clarity.

The Siwaak/Miswaak offers numerous benefits, including Freshening the breath, Strengthening the gums, reducing phlegm, improving eyesight, preventing tooth decay, strengthening the stomach, improving voice clarity, aiding digestion, enhancing speech, energizing for reading, remembering, and prayer, reducing sleepiness, pleasing Allah, pleasing the angels, & increasing good deeds. The use of the Siwaak/Miswaak is recommended at all times, but it becomes especially emphasized during specific moments, like before prayer, before performing wudu (ablution), upon waking up from sleep & when there is a change in the odor of the mouth.

It is also encouraged for both the fasting and non-fasting person at all times, based on the generality of the hadiths related to it. The need for the Siwaak/Miswaak is even greater for the fasting person, as it is a means of pleasing Allah, and the pursuit of Allah’s pleasure is even more important during fasting than at other times. Additionally, the Siwaak/Miswaak is a purifier for the mouth, and purification during fasting is considered one of the best acts of worship.

وَفِي السُّنَنِ : عَنْ عَامِرِ بْنِ رَبِيعَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَا لَا أُحْصِي يَسْتَاكُ، وَهُوَ صَائِمٌ-- وَقَالَ الْبُخَارِيُّ: قَالَ ابْنُ عُمَرَ: يَسْتَاكُ أَوَّلَ النَّهَارِ وَآخِرَهُ

In Sunan: `Amir bin Rabi'ah Radi Allaho Anh reported, "I saw the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم using the Siwaak/Miswaak so many times that I cannot count them, and he was fasting." Al-Bukhari also reported that Ibn Umar Radi Allaho Anh said, "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would use the Siwaak/Miswaak at the beginning and at the end of the day."

The scholars agree that it is obligatory and recommended for the fasting person to perform mouth rinsing (Madhmadah~مضمضة), as it is more effective than the Siwaak/Miswaak. Allah is not concerned with the unpleasant smell of the mouth, and it is not part of the prescribed acts of worship. However, the pleasantness of the smell is mentioned in relation to the reward the fasting person will receive on the Day of Judgment. This serves as encouragement to maintain the sweetness of the mouth during fasting. Therefore, a fasting person needs the Siwaak/Miswaak more than a non-fasting person. It is also affirmed that Allah's pleasure is greater than the preference for the fasting person's mouth odor, and that the love for the Siwaak/Miswaak in the fasting person is more pleasing to Allah than the desire to preserve the fasting person's bad breath. The smell of the fasting person's breath remains more pleasant on the Day of Judgment, even if the person uses the Siwaak/Miswaak to remove it in this world, because it will signify their fasting. Just as a wounded person’s injury might have the scent of musk on the Day of Judgment, the fasting person’s breath will be even more fragrant.

It is important to note that the Siwaak/Miswaak does not remove the cause of the bad breath during fasting, which is the empty stomach, but it can remove the effect of the breath that may settle on the teeth and gums. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم taught his followers what is recommended for them during fasting and what should be avoided. He did not categorize the use of the Siwaak/Miswaak as something undesirable, and he was well aware that his companions were using it.

Ibn al-Baytaar wrote: According to Abu Hanifa, Araak is the best type of stick used for siwak due to its origin and branches from trees. It has a pleasant smell, and its texture is soft yet firm. It has thorny branches, and its fruit grows in clusters known as Al-Bareer. The fruit is larger than chickpeas but smaller than grapes, with a small, round, solid seed. The Araak fruit starts off green, ripens into a reddish hue, and then becomes sweeter while darkening, but it retains a mild bitterness. It is sold similarly to grapes. The plant grows primarily in valleys but can occasionally be found growing in mountainous areas, though less commonly. The thorns of this plant are sparse and scattered. Ibn Rizwan noted that Araak's seeds strengthen the stomach and regulate bodily functions. Ibn Juljul stated that when the decoction of Araak is consumed, it helps to increase urination and purify the bladder.

Dawood Antaaki wrote: The Araak tree, commonly associated with the Siwaak, is known for its distinctive qualities and medicinal uses. It is native to the Arabian region and is not commonly mentioned in Greek sources, as it is primarily found in the first and second climatic zones. Its leaves are broader and smoother, and it does not shed leaves in winter. It has thorny branches, and its flowers are reddish. The fruit of the Araak tree starts as green, then turns red, and eventually black as it ripens, becoming sweet. The Araak is hot and dry (classified in the second or third degree of dryness), making it effective in clearing blockages, reducing phlegm, and treating thick fluids and wind. The tree has cleansing and dispersing properties. When the branches are boiled in oil, they help alleviate pain and treat conditions like swelling, hemorrhoids, and ringworm.

Stomach: The seeds of Araak are highly effective in strengthening the stomach and stimulating the appetite. They are unmatched in their ability to improve digestion and overall stomach function. Leaves: The leaves of Araak can be used to dissolve and prevent blockages, as well as treat skin conditions like scabies and insect bites (such as those from ants). They are also useful in treating dental issues. Dental Care: The siwak (made from Araak branches) is particularly beneficial for cleaning teeth, strengthening the gums, and removing food particles from between the teeth. It is considered to be one of the best natural toothpastes. Excessive Use: Overuse of the plant can lead to the development of pimples around the mouth area, and excessive consumption of the seeds can cause dryness or discomfort in the digestive system.

Preparation: To prepare a decoction of Araak, boil its branches or seeds and use the mixture as a remedy for inflammation, pain, or as a tonic. The recommended dosage is up to half a pound of the decoction or three seeds at a time. In some cases, sandalwood can replace Araak in certain applications where its cleansing properties are required, though it is not as effective in stimulating the stomach. 

سُبْحَانَ الذي تَعَطَّفَ بالعِزِّ، وقَالَ بهِ، سُبْحَان الذي لَبِسَ المَجْدَ وتَكَرَّمَ بهِ، سُبْحَانَ الذي لا يَنبَغِي التَّسْبِيحُ إلاَّ لَهُ سُبْحَانَ مَن أحْصَى كُلَّ شَيءٍ بِعِلْمِهِ، سُبْحانَ ذِي الفَضْلِ والطَّوْلِ، سُبْحَانَ ذِي المَنِّ والنِّعَمِ، سُبْحَانَ ذِي المجدِ والكرمِ سُبْحَانَ ذِي الجَلالِ والإكْرامِ.اللَّهُمَّ لا تَكِلْنِي إلى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَينٍ ولا تَنزِعْ مِنِّي صَالِحَ مَا أعْطَيْتَنِي

Kabaath (Arak Tree Fruit)

كَبَاثٌ : فى "الصحيحين": من حديث جابر بن عبد الله رضى الله عنه، قال: كُنَّا مع رسولِ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَجْنِى الكَباثَ، فقال: "عليكم بالأسْوَدِ مِنْهُ، فإنَّه أطْيَبُه الكَباث بفتح الكاف، والباء الموحدة المخففة، والثاء المثلثة ثمرُ الأراك. وهو بأرض الحجاز، وطبعُه حار يابس، ومنافعُه كمنافع الأراك: يُقَوِّى المعدة، ويُجيدُ الهضمَ، ويجلُو البلغمَ، وينفعُ مِن أوجاع الظهر، وكثيرٍ من الأدواء. قال ابن جُلْجُل: إذا شُرِبَ طحينُه، أدرَّ البَوْلَ، ونقَّى المثانة، وقال ابنُ رضوان: يُقَوِّى المَعِدَة، ويُمسكُ الطبيعة

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote: In Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated from Jabir ibn Abdullah رضي الله عنه that they were harvesting Kabbath with the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. He said: "Use the black one, for it is the best and most beneficial."

Kabbath is the fruit of the Araak tree, commonly found in the region of Hijaz (western Saudi Arabia). It has a hot and dry nature. Its benefits are similar to those of the Araak tree; it strengthens the stomach and aids in digestion, helps clear phlegm, & relieves back pain. According to Ibn Juljul, drinking its powder increases urination and cleanses the bladder. Ibn Rizwan mentioned that it strengthens the stomach and helps maintain bodily functions, particularly improving digestion.

Ibn al-Baytaar wrote:  It is said that Kabbath is the fruit of the Araak tree when it ripens and turns black. Some scholars claim that Kabbath refers to the unripe fruit of the Araak tree. It is a type of fruit from the Araak that lacks a large seed, with smaller clusters and seeds that are slightly larger than coriander seeds and can be ground into a powder. A dose of about five grams of Kabbath powder can be mixed with an equal amount of sugar, and the mixture is then consumed with cold, fresh water to relieve constipation.

In the Book of Substitutes for Medicines, Kabbath is noted for its beneficial effects in treating intestinal worms in the abdomen. Its medicinal qualities are enhanced when mixed with Qust al-Abyad (white costus).

You can aslso watch the video below:

كباث / ثمر الأراك ~ Kabbaath… fruit of Miswaak tree

كباث، فاكهة الأنبياء