The Age-Old Practice of Oral
Hygiene: Beyond the ‘Muslim’ Miswak
The use
of the miswak as a tool for oral hygiene did not originate with Islam,
nor was it introduced during the era of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It is unimaginable to think that people before his time neglected dental
hygiene altogether, only for this practice to be initiated by him. Rather,
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) revived the traditions of Prophet
Abraham—practices that, in religious terminology, are known as the Sunnah of
Abraham. Oral hygiene, therefore, is an ancient practice, deeply rooted in
human civilization. Qur’an (16:123): “We sent this revelation to you: Follow
this way of Abraham who was fully devoted and was not among the
polytheists.”
Islam
places immense emphasis on purification—both spiritual and physical. The Qur’an
highlights this in Surah Ash-Shams (91:7-10): "And [by] the soul and He
who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and
its righteousness, He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who
instills it [with corruption]."
The
purification of the soul encompasses three fundamental aspects:
- Moral conduct (Akhlaqiyat) – Our ethical dealings and
interactions.
- Physical cleanliness – Maintaining hygiene as
part of our faith.
- Purity of consumption – Ensuring that our food
and drink are wholesome and permissible.
It is
essential to understand that the miswak is merely a tool for
cleanliness, not the essence of purification itself. In modern times,
toothbrushes serve the same purpose, just as cars have replaced horses, mules,
and donkeys as means of transportation. The underlying principle remains
unchanged—maintaining cleanliness per divine guidance.
Aamir
Yazdani
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