Have you ever found yourself distracted in the mosque, not by noise, but by a strong, unpleasant odor from someone nearby? Now, consider if you are inadvertently the source of such a distraction for others.

Many people attend prayers without properly addressing their oral hygiene, often after strong-smelling meals. However, Islam offers a superior practice: the Sunnah of Siwak (miswak), a profound teaching from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized this practice, stating, "Were it not that I might overburden my ummah (community), I would have ordered them to use the siwak for every prayer" (Sahih al-Bukhari 887, Sahih Muslim 252). This highlights the immense importance of oral cleanliness in our worship.

When we stand in prayer, we should present our best selves: with a clean body, clean clothes, and crucially, a clean mouth. Siwak isn't merely an ancient tradition; it's a cherished act of worship that truly embodies the elegance and purity of our faith.

Regular use of siwak, especially before prayer and after meals, eliminates bad breath and boosts confidence during worship. More importantly, it earns immense reward, as it's a practice the Prophet (ﷺ) consistently observed and encouraged.

Let's revive this beautiful Sunnah. Carry a siwak, teach your children, and if siwak isn't available, simply brush your teeth. The Prophet (ﷺ) loved cleanliness; let's honor that love, spread this knowledge, and earn the profound reward. May Allah beautify us both inwardly and outwardly. Ameen.

Source: https://www.nairaland.com/8482782/beautiful-sunnah-siwak