Eid Gifts for the children

Madrasah Ummul Hasanaat handed out miswaaks to the children as Eid gifts. We decided on siwaaks because it is a forgotten and neglected sunnah these days. Having received their special gift, we hope that it would make the children want to use the siwaak even more. The very young chidren received bubbles as well with little notes saying ‘Wishing you a happy Eid’. They were delighted. We list a few points of the miswaak / siwaak:

1) Siwaak is an act of worship and pleases Allaah
“Rasoolullah (SAW) said, ‘Siwaak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.'” (Bukhaari)

2)  Rasoolullah (SAW) highly encouraged it:
Use of the Siwaak is a Sunnah that you will be rewarded for and is greatly encouraged. Rasoolullah (SAW) said:
“Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwaak at every time of prayer.” (Bukhaari)

TIMES WHEN SIWAAK IS RECOMMENDED
Siwaak is recommended at all times of night and day, but there are certain specific situations where use of the siwaak is even more strongly encouraged.
1)When making wudoo’ and at times of prayer.
Rasoolullah (SAW) said: “Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwaak at every time of prayer.” According to another report he said: “…at every time of making wudhoo'”

2)When entering one’s home :
‘Aa’ishah (RA) said, “When he (SAW) entered his house, the first thing he would do was to use the Siwaak.” (Muslim).

3) When getting up from sleep.
Hudhayfah (RA) said that when the Rasoolullah (SAW) got up during the night, he would clean his mouth thoroughly with the siwaak. (Bukhaari,Muslim)

4) When the mouth emits odour:
Such as after eating food with a strong odour, like onions or garlic or because of not eating or drinking for a long time, etc.

5) When going to the masjid:
Using Siwaak is part of the adornment which men are commanded to wear for every prayer. It is also important because the angels are present in the mosque, and one is going to meet with other worshippers there.

6)When reading Qur’aan and doing dhikr of Allaah:

7)When joining good gatherings

8) After the signs of death are evident:
It is reported in Bukhaari that Aa’ishah (RA) said that Rasoolullah (SAW) wanted to and used the Siwaak just before he (SAW) passed away.