When Did the Prophet (PBUH) Use Miswak? Sunnah Perspectives

Cleanliness in Islam is more than a simple habit; it is a spiritual necessity deeply embedded in the daily life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Throughout his life, the Messenger maintained a rigorous oral hygiene routine centered around the use of the Miswak—a natural twig used for cleaning teeth. According to reports in Sahih Bukhari, companions observed the Prophet (PBUH) using the Miswak countless times even while fasting, highlighting that oral care was never neglected. He did not limit this cleaning to the teeth alone; reports from Abu Musa al-Ash‍‍`ari confirm that he also used the Miswak to clean his tongue, ensuring comprehensive oral freshness.

The Prophet (PBUH) practiced Miswak usage during several key moments of the day, making it a cornerstone of his lifestyle. One of the most prominent times was immediately upon waking from sleep. Hadith from Hudhayfah (RA) indicate that the Messenger would cleanse his mouth with a Miswak as soon as he rose. This practice was so consistent that he reportedly kept the Miswak by his bedside at night. This ensures that the very first action of a believer‍‍`s day is one of purification, removing any odors accumulated during sleep before engaging in morning supplications.

Social and spiritual transitions also prompted the use of the Miswak in the Prophetic tradition. Aishah (RA) noted that whenever the Prophet (PBUH) entered his home, the first thing he did was use the Miswak, reflecting a commitment to being pleasant for his family. Furthermore, it was his standard practice to use it before every prayer and during the process of Wudu (ablution). Perhaps most movingly, the Prophet (PBUH) maintained this devotion until his final moments on earth. While resting in the lap of his wife Aishah (RA) just before passing away, he signaled for a fresh Miswak and cleaned his teeth with remarkable care, marking oral hygiene as one of his final earthly acts.