The scholars have differed as to whether siwaak should be done with the right hand or the left hand. One group – the majority – think that it is better to use the right hand, because of the general meaning of the hadeeth narrated by ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said: “The Messenger of Allaah  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) liked to start with the right when putting on his shoes, dismounting (from his camel), when cleaning himself, and in all things.” (Agreed upon). (They also say that) siwaak is an act of worship and drawing closer to Allaah, so it should not be done with the left hand.

Other scholars say that it is better to use the left hand for siwaak, because it comes under the heading of removing dirt.

Some scholars have said that when a person is using siwaak with the intention of following the sunnah, he should use his right hand, and if he is doing it to remove dirt, he should use his left hand. The fact of the matter is that this issue is open, as there is no definitive daleel or report, and every opinion has a valid point.

The fuqaha’ suggested that when using siwaak, a person should start on the right, and use a side-to-side motion rather than up-and-down, as the latter may harm the gums. Among the etiquette of using siwaak, they mentioned the following:

1. That a person should not use the siwaak in front of others or in public, because this is impolite.

2. That the siwaak should be washed after use, to get rid of any dirt that may be on it. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to use siwaak, then he would give it to me to wash it. I would use it first, then wash it and give it back to him.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 1/45).

   The sunnat method of holding the Miswaak according to what Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Mas’ood has narrated is as follows:"Place the small finger of the right hand below the Miswaak. Place the thumb below the head of the Miswaak. The remaining three fingers will be placed above." (Shami‐ Vol. 1, pg 85)

3. The siwaak should be kept in a clean place.

A simplified method to follow;

HOW TO USE THE MISWAK

STEP ONE:

Simply scrape off about half an inch from the tip.

STEP TWO:

Then chew the tip gently until brush-like

STEP THREE:

Start brushing horizontally.

STEP FOUR:

After brushing wash the tip.

STEP FIVE:

Store miswak in packet provided so it doesn’t become dirty.

STEP SIX:

Before going sleep store the miswak in a glass filled with water and put the part of the miswak that was used and leave it overnight to be soaked.

STEP SEVEN:

In the morning cut the bristles and start from step one again, this ensures u have clean bristles every day so that it is more hygienic and effective.

[Source: Collected & Edited by MiracleBrush.com Team]