Book of Namaz

USING MISWÂK: It is sunnat-i muakkada to use a miswâk
when performing an ablution. A hadîth-i-sherîf states: (A namâz
which is performed after using a miswâk is seventy-fold superior to
a namâz without a miswâk.)
It is declared in the book (Sirâj-ul-wahhâj) that using miswâk
has fifteen benefits:
1- It causes one to say the kalimat ash-shahâda at one's last
breath.
2- It strengthens the gums.
3- It stops phlegm.
4- It reduces stress on the gallbladder. It stops acid from
forming in the stomach.
5- It stops toothaches.
6- It stops bad breath.
7- Allahu ta'âlâ will be pleased with that person.
8- It strenghthens the veins in the head.
9- Satan will be saddened.
10- That persons eyes will be bright.
11- He will do many favors and good deeds.
12- He will have acted in accordance with the sunnat.
13- His mouth will be clean.
14- He speaks eloquently.
15- The thawâb of a two rak'at namâz performed after using
the miswâk in its ablution is more than a namâz of seventy rak'ats
performed without using the miswâk in its ablution.
The miswâk is derived from a branch of the erâk (peelo) tree
growing in Arabia. Shaving it about two centimetres from the
straight end, you keep this part in water for a couple of hours.
When you press it, it will open like a brush. When the erâk tree
cannot be found, a miswâk can be made from an olive branch.
Women must use chewing gum when they are not fasting, instead
of using a miswak, with the intention of performing the sunnat.
Some Rules To Be Observed Regarding Ablution
Unless there is a darûrat (strong necessity), the following ten
rules must be obeyed:
– 66 –