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The miswak, a Muslim's natural toothbrush,
was found to be smooth, safe and purgative to clean the mouth
with, according to research conducted by Abdul Al Shareif,
Saudi Ministry of Agriculture.
The miswak is widely used in the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia in accordance with the strong recommendation
by Islamic Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
In his research, Al Shareif explained Miswaks
contain anti mouth ulcer substances, and anti sceptics, which
have similar effects to penicillin.
In addition to the miswak's substances that
prevent teeth carries, gum bleeding, mouth cancer and putrefaction,
it has another substance that strengthens the gum, and prevents
the teeth from coloring.
It also contains smell scents, painkiller
substances and sodium bicarbonate, which is a preferable formula
in the manufacture of toothpaste.
The miswak is easy to carry and keep clean
and can be used anytime ofthe day, as some Muslims like to
clean their mouth with it before salaah (prayers).
It reaches inside the mouth, and gets in to
gaps between the teeth without hurting the gum.
"God likes us to be clean all the time,
as it says in the Qur'an. And I think those who brush their
teeth before prayers like to get clean, before praying"
said Ahmed Omrah, Imam of one of Jeddah's mosques.
In his study, Dr Al Shareif also clarified
that the miswak is best used while it's fresh and soft. Its
used end must be removed daily. The miswak must be always
be kept clean from dust. The miswak tree, which is from the
family of Salvadoraceae, is planted in the warm climate of
many places of Saudi Arabia. Most of its farming is in the
south coast.
The miswak tree, which is relatively short,
1-4 meters in height is permanently green around the year.
Miswak can be taken from miswak tree branches or from the
roots of the miswak tree. The later one is more effective
and preferable to users. A reasonable size for use is about
15 to 25cm and it is finger shaped, the research pointed out.
Miswak have a big market in Saudi Arabia and
users can find them in stores that sell Islamic books and
cassettes, close to mosques. Muhammed Sufiani, a retired 65
year old teacher, who has never visited dentist in his life,
explained how he maintained his strong teeth.
"I always carry my miswak. After eating
i immediately clean my mouth, usually it takes me seconds.
I also keep misawaks in my house and have taught my children
and grand children to use miswak." said Sufiani.
According to Ibrahim Al Hedraiti, who has
a Miswak farm in Shaqah, a little village about 190km south
of Jeddah, miswaks sell the best during the month of Ramadaan.
Shaqah is famous for planting the highest quality of miswaks
in the region. There are two varieties that are cultivated:
Nasham is always green and the other, Rak, has a spicey taste
and its outer layer is brown.
"Most famers here plant miswaks. It has
always been good business, as our farms supply the Kingdom's
demand" Al hedaraiti added in his statement.
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