đź“–Sahih Muslim 252
Abu Huraira reported: The Apostle (ﷺ) said: Were it not that I might over-burden the believers-and in the hadith transmitted by Zuhair” people” -I would have ordered them to use toothstick at every time of prayer.
From this hadith, we can learn a few things:
- Emphasis on oral hygiene: The Prophet Muhammad recognized the importance of oral hygiene and recommended the use of a toothstick (miswak). The miswak is a natural toothbrush made from a twig of the Salvadora persica tree or similar trees, which has been used for centuries in Islamic tradition.
- Consideration for the believers: The Prophet Muhammad showed consideration for the well-being of his followers by refraining from imposing additional practices that may have been burdensome for them. This demonstrates his wisdom and compassion in not overburdening the believers with unnecessary obligations.
- The importance of cleanliness in worship: The mention of using a toothstick specifically during the time of prayer highlights the significance of cleanliness and personal hygiene in the context of worship. It indicates that maintaining cleanliness, even in matters related to oral hygiene, is commendable and desirable for Muslims.
Overall, this hadith emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the consideration and wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad in not imposing unnecessary burdens on his followers.
