The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad is not just a spiritual model: it includes daily practices of hygiene, nutrition, and body care that modern science is rediscovering with increasing interest. From miswak to the Prophet's herbs, these products carry centuries of wisdom passed down through generations.
In this article
Miswak: The toothbrush of the Sunnah
Miswak (or siwak) is a twig from the Salvadora persica tree, used for millennia in the Islamic world to clean teeth. The Prophet said: "The siwak cleans the mouth and pleases the Lord" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Studies published in the Journal of Periodontology confirm that miswak contains natural fluoride, antibacterial compounds, and fibers that mechanically remove plaque.
How to use miswak: Cut 1-2 cm of bark from the end. Chew slowly until the fibers fan out. Rub on teeth with vertical and circular motions. Rinse and refresh the end daily. One miswak lasts 2-4 weeks.
Habatus Sauda: Black seed oil
The Prophet said of habatus sauda (Nigella sativa): "In it there is healing for every disease except death" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Modern research has identified thymoquinone in nigella, a compound with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties in over 2000 scientific studies. A daily dose of 1-3 ml is the quantity most commonly used in clinical studies.
Bakhoor and oud: Islamic perfuming
The Prophet loved to perfume himself with oud and musk. Bakhoor is aromatic wood or paste burned on hot coals to perfume rooms and clothes. Oud (aquilaria wood infected by specific fungi) is considered the most precious perfume in the Islamic world, with varieties from India, Cambodia, Arabia, and Africa.
Sidr water and ghassoul
Sidr leaves (Ziziphus lotus) were used by the Prophet to wash his hair. Dried and powdered, they create a light lather with soothing and conditioning properties. Ghassoul is mineral clay from Morocco: it absorbs sebum and impurities without stripping, ideal for sensitive skin and curly or wavy hair.
How to build a Sunnah routine
- Morning: Miswak before washing face + 1 teaspoon of black seed oil
- Before prayer: Complete Wudu + miswak
- Friday: Ghusl with sidr leaves, argan oil on hair, bakhoor to perfume the house
- Evening: Black seed oil topically on problem areas, a few drops of oud on the wrist
Frequently asked questions
Does black seed oil break the Ramadan fast?
Topical use does not break the fast. Oral intake breaks the fast according to the majority of fuqaha. Many believers take black seed oil at iftar and suhoor during Ramadan.
Can miswak replace a regular toothbrush?
Miswak is excellent for daily cleaning. However, it does not easily reach interdental surfaces like dental floss. For those who use it as their sole tool, at least periodic check-ups with a dentist are advisable.
Is bakhoor safe to burn indoors?
Yes, with proper precautions: use an appropriate burner (mabkhar), never leave coal unattended, ensure good ventilation.
How do you distinguish quality black seed oil?
Look for labels indicating "cold-pressed". The color should be dark amber, the taste intensely pungent and slightly bitter. Avoid pale or odorless oils: they have been refined and have lost their active ingredients.
