Siwāk

Curated by Dorian

What Is the Siwāk?

Above is an image of the Siwāk placed in a bowl.

(Image 8)

The Siwāk is a chewing stick traditionally made from the roots and twigs of an arak tree. Although this was not the first chewing stick invented, the Siwāk was made by the Prophet Muhammed for use by the Islamic people, and more specifically the people of Muslim faith. The rules about its use have been codified in both the Qu'ran and the Sunnah.

Impact On Hygiene

Not only an effective tool of faith, the Siwāk is also an effective tool for dental care. The plentiful use by Muslims of the tool provides strong dental care, especially around the medieval times of its invention. During the 9th Century, the dentist Alî b. Rabban at-Tabari kept many notes in his handbook about the practice of dentistry and proved how important this tool was, even without the faith's lense. A more modern test has also shown that the Siwāk works just as good as any commercial toothpaste.

Above is a closeup of the texture at the end of a Siwāk

(Image 10)

Above is a painting of Prophet Muhammed, the creator of the Siwak

(Image 16)

Impact On Faith

The importance of the mouth is of the upmost priority within the practice of the Muslim faith. Seen as a place of good and evil, the mouth requires care and cleanliness. Washing out the mouth represents washing out the sins, which is done by not only water, but a Siwāk too. It is required to be used after every meal, especially fattier ones, it should be used after prayer, and the mouth should be washed 3 times a day.

To-Read Websites!

1. The Role of The Qur'an and Sunnah in Oral Health

Gives information on the history of the Siwāk along with rules and symbolism on its use

2. The Siwāk: A Medieval Islamic Contribution to Dental Care

Gives information on how the Siwāk was made and a more in depth view on its specific usage

3. Bibliographical Notes On Medieval Muslim Dentistry

Gives information on the dentistry care without the religious lense, and includes the details on Alî b. Rabban at-Tabari.

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