Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 801 [Read full issue]
Dental Hygiene
The sunnah of dental hygiene involves a stick or a similar object to clean one's teeth. The best type to use is that of the arak tree found in the Hejaz. Such a practice strengthens the gums, prevents tooth disease, helps digestion and facilitates the flow of urine. This sunnah is fulfilled by using any object which removes yellow stains on the teeth and cleans the mouth, such as a toothbrush, and so on. Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (upon whom be peace) said, "Were it not to be a hardship on my community, I would have ordered them to use a toothbrush (miswak) for every ablution." (Related by Malik, ash-Shafi, al-Baihaqi and al-Hakim.) Aishah reported that the Prophet said, "The toothbrush (miswak) purifies the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord." (Related by Ahmad, an-Nasai and at-Tirmidhi.)
Using a toothbrush is liked at any time, but there are five times in which it is especially liked:
1- ablution,
2- prayer,
3- reading the Quran,
4- rising from sleep, and
5- when the taste in one's mouth has changed.
Fasting and non-fasting people may use it at the beginning, the end, or at any other time during the day. Amr ibn Rabiah said, "I have seen the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, on countless occasions using a toothbrush while fasting." (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi.)
It is part of the sunnah that one who has no teeth may use his fingers to clean his mouth. Asked Aishah, "O Messenger of Allah, how should a toothless person cleanse his mouth?" "By putting his fingers into his mouth," he replied. (Related by at-Tabarani.)
Compiled From:
"Fiqh-us-Sunnah" - Al Sayyid Sabiq, Vol. 1, p. 29