In Islam, the emphasis on using a miswak (tooth-cleaning twig) indicates the countless wisdoms and benefits hidden within it. Miswak is such a beloved practice that it should be done regularly as appropriate and at the time of ablution (wudu), especially during prayer times. Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) emphasizes the wisdom of using miswak, stating that "frequent use of miswak and keeping the mouth clean has great benefits." However, it is also very important and excellent to groom one's appearance and clean one's teeth before going to a dignified court. This is because the yellowness and dirt of the teeth are repulsive to a healthy mind when talking. So, whose court or dignified realm could be greater than that of the Lord of the Worlds in the command of Allah? For whom should this preparation be made? Because "إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَمِيلٌ يُحِبُّ الْجَمَالَ"
Translation: Allah Almighty is beautiful, and He loves beauty. So, when this is established, how can He like the dirt of the teeth and the bad breath? For this reason, before performing the greatest of Allah's symbols, which is prayer, just as one takes care to cleanse other impurities and dirt, it is commendable to remove the dirt from the teeth, mouth, and gums. This is why miswak is used before prayer, because the limbs are beautified for the glorification of Allah's symbols, and in addition to the physical benefits, one also receives reward and blessings in the hereafter.

(1) Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Bab Tahrim al-Kibr wa Bayanahu), Hadith: 35

Another reason is that if miswak is not used for many days, the remaining food particles and dirt in the gums and teeth cause foul odor and bad breath in the mouth. When a person goes and stands in prostration during prayers, this odor causes discomfort to the (worshippers) and the pure souls (angels of Allah), and the message is rejected and disliked by Allah and by the people.

Not only this; but one reason for this is also that Hazrat Maulana Manzoor Nomani writes regarding the one who has been assigned the duty: that when a servant intends to attend the exalted court of the King of Kings and the Judge of Judges and to address and converse with Him through prayer, and he thinks that the right of His greatness and majesty is that he should wash his mouth and tongue with musk and rosewater before taking His name and offering something in His presence; but since that Master has commanded only the use of miswak out of His grace and mercy, therefore I use miswak. In any case, when a servant uses miswak for prayer with this feeling of Allah Almighty's greatness and this sense of respect, then that prayer, if it is considered seventy or even more degrees superior to the prayer for which miswak was not used, is absolutely right, that is the reality.

Nizaar baar bashkeem dahan ze mushk o gulaab
Hanooz naam tu huqan kamaal be adabi ast

(1) Ahkam Islam Aqal ke Nazar Mein: 50
(2) Maarif ul Hadith, J 3, S 39

Mufti Sadiq Ameen Qasmi