wealth on getting such a great Sunnah (Miswak) – then what reply will I give?’ (Summarized from: Lawaqah-ul-Anwaar, pp. 38)

On page 288 of the first volume of the book ‘Bahar-e-Shari’at’ published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah, the publishing department of Dawat-e-Islami, a legendary and leading scholar of Shari’ah and Tareeqah, ‘Allamah Maulana Mufti Muhammad Amjad ‘Ali A’zami رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه has stated that saints have said, ‘The person habitual of using Miswak will be blessed with reciting the Kalimah at the time of his death and the one taking opium will not be able to recite the Kalimah at the time of death.

Miswak should be of any bitter piece of wood such as Peelu or olive or Neem.

Thickness of Miswak should be equal to the little finger.

Miswak should not be longer than a hand span otherwise Satan will sit on it.

The bristles of the Miswak should be soft. Hard bristles will cause a gap between the gums and teeth.

If Miswak is fresh, it’s fine; otherwise soak its one end in a glass of water until it becomes soft.

Cut the bristles every day. The bristles are effective only when they contain bitterness.