The siwak has recently started to surface as a trend in the European market, but it is, in fact, one of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad 
that he promoted over 1400 years ago.
The siwak, also known as miswak, is a small stick used to brush the teeth and it has innumerable health benefits. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad used it regularly and said:
“If it were not that it would be difficult for my nation, I would have ordered them to use the siwak for each prayer.” [At-Tirmidhi]
Many of us often underestimate the immense blessings we can obtain by following this sunnah. But Abdullah Al Almani, Founder and CEO of Royal Miswak, has a mission to revive the sunnah of siwak and express the many benefits that using the siwak has on our spiritual and physical well-being.
Abdullah says that this sunnah has helped inspire others to revert to Islam including himself, explaining how a friend of his, who initially was skeptical about Islam, had actually reverted after having experienced using the siwak and learning more about the religion.
So, for us, how can we develop the habit of using the siwak and making it special in our everyday lives? Here are some ideas.
1. Gift it
One way that we can make the siwak special and value it in our lives is to give it as a gift.
Abdullah said, “If we go back to our religion, we learn that the miswak was something our beloved Prophet loved and respected very much. It was considered an act of worship and a means of pleasing Allah 
”.
“I started Royal Miswak because I wanted to revive the sunnah of miswak – and help people use it as a gift to their loved ones and to feel proud if they received one as a gift. I wanted people to use the miswak openly and be proud of their Islamic identity,” said Abdullah.
Gifting the siwak makes it something special and valuable as also you are giving something that was a much-loved utensil of the Prophet .
Abdullah hopes to inspire others to revive this sunnah as the Prophet said:
“Whoever revives one of my sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loves me, will be with me in Paradise.” [At-Tirmidhi]
2. Pocket it
This may seem strange but just as you carry your phone around in your pocket or handbag you can keep your siwak stick and take it with you wherever you go. This way you can utilize your siwak wherever you are such as after eating a meal or upon making wudhu, and you can gain countless blessings every time you use it.
3. Utilize flavored siwak
The siwak in its natural form has a distinct flavor and taste, however, if you want to encourage others to use it who may not like its natural taste you can try flavored siwak. You can get siwak in flavors such as rose, lemon, mint, and strawberry which is perfect for kids who want to try it as well.
4. Use it as a tool for dawah
We can use it as a tool for dawah and a great conversation starter to discuss the natural way of cleaning the teeth. Abdullah explains how one of his non-Muslim friends had inquired about Islam and he gave him a stick to use. His friend became interested in learning more about it and consequently, through learning the benefits of using this little stick and the variety of other sunnah practices, his friend reverted to Islam, masha Allah!
5. Make it visible
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives if we leave the siwak in a cupboard or somewhere that is kept hidden we may be less likely to use it. Try to keep your siwak in a visible area whether that is in the bathroom, on your desk or near your mirror so that it cannot escape your sight and you will remember to utilize it.
6. Constantly associate it with remembering Allah 
Making dhikr and constantly remembering Allah whilst cleaning your teeth is the Sunnah manner and by doing so, you can reap countless blessings, after all, every time we remember Allah we are rewarded. If we have the association of using the siwak whilst remembering Allah in our minds we can further motivate ourselves to use it on a daily basis. There is nothing better than remembering Allah on a daily basis and we can utilize this by adopting this Sunnah practice.
7. Intend to please Allah by using it
We all want to earn the love of Allah but did you know that Almighty Allah becomes pleased with you when you use a siwak? Just by using the siwak you can not only purify your mouth but more importantly earn Allah praise. The Prophet said:
“The Miswak (tooth-stick) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Rabb.” [An-Nasa’i]
8. Consider improving your health through it
The siwak has great health benefits which include aiding digestion, enhancing your memory, preventing tooth decay and disease, and purifying your breath. The siwak has also been reported to help ease headaches and toothache due to its natural antibacterial properties along with eliminating bad odors in the mouth making it fresh and clean.
9. Aim to break bad habits
Many people have stopped bad habits due to using this little stick as it has many antibacterial benefits and can help your overall well-being. Such bad habits that could potentially be abandoned are habits such as smoking.
Now you tell us, how did using the siwak help you and what are your suggestions for making the siwak a daily habit?
