Hudhaifa said that when the Prophet got up to pray during the night he cleansed his mouth with the tooth-stick. (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification - Mishkat al-Masabih 378
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions.
This noble hadith narrated by the Companion Hudhaifa ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) informs us that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) arose for night prayer, he would cleanse his mouth with the siwak (tooth-stick). This tradition is recorded in the authentic collections of both Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim.
The Excellence of Siwak
The siwak is a blessed instrument of purification that holds immense merit in our noble Shari'ah. Its use is particularly emphasized before prayer, recitation of the Qur'an, and upon waking from sleep. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Were it not that I would overburden my community, I would have ordered them to use the siwak with every prayer."
The wisdom behind using siwak before night prayer is manifold: it purifies the mouth, pleases the Lord, removes unpleasant odors, strengthens the gums, and prepares one for the intimate conversation with Allah during the night vigil.
Spiritual Significance
The Prophet's consistent practice of using siwak before night prayer teaches us the importance of physical and spiritual purification when standing before Allah. Just as we cleanse our outer being, we must also purify our hearts from spiritual impurities.
This action demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings, where even the smallest acts of hygiene are connected to worship and spiritual elevation. The night prayer is a time of special divine proximity, and approaching it with physical purity enhances one's spiritual state.
Legal Ruling
The majority of scholars consider the use of siwak to be a highly recommended sunnah (mustahabb), particularly before prayer. Some early scholars considered it obligatory at times when the mouth has an unpleasant odor. The preferred time for using siwak is when performing ablution and before each prayer.
This practice reflects the Prophet's concern for both the spiritual and physical well-being of his community, demonstrating that Islam is a complete way of life that encompasses all aspects of human existence.