Can a Muslim answer this one? There is something called a 'muswak stick', is it a antiseptic twig for teeth?

Question

I heard that this is the worst punishment a man can dish out to his wife or children.

This question was not meant to offend in any way. The way the story was told to me I thought it must have been a story told to show that a man could not punish. If you were to hit someone with a "miswak"(as I have been corrected), it would be only symbolic as someone mentioned.

This was told to me in broken english by a Bosnian Muslim I met who was at the Noble Park Mosque in Melbourne. This man and other Muslims I met showed nothing but care and respect to their wives and children.

Answer 1

Info from a website:

"It is absolutely a distortion of Islam to say that wife beating is endorsed in Islam.

Not only is wife beating not endorsed, it is strictly prohibited. Beating someone, whether a husband, wife, or child is unlawful. Beating someone is a form of abuse and Islam does not allow abuse."

"The husband is only allowed to use his hand or the equivalent of a miswak, a tooth-stick. Furthermore, he may not strike in anger, beat, bruise, or harm his wife. Rather, he gives her a symbolical tap with this very light object."

Answer 2

All people of the Indian sub-continent including Bangladesh, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, use miswak (called Dnaton in Bengali) from ancient times. Its association with any particular religion is unfortunate. However Islam has encouraged it as a good practice besides others. I would have thought that other people at other parts of the world at similar or other times (including the present time) must have practiced similar, if not the same, practice, but I don't know for sure the actuality.

As for the allegation of using it for beating, it is not based on facts except for trivial reasons.

Answer 3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miswak

It is known a MISWAK stick.

The miswak (miswaak, siwak) is a natural toothbrush made from the twigs of the Salvadora persica tree. Other tree types that are used are the arak tree, peelo tree, olive, walnut, and other trees with bitter roots. Pomegranate twigs are never used for miswak.

In addition to strengthening the gums, preventing tooth decay and eliminating toothaches it is also said to halt further increase in decay that has already set in. Furthermore it is claimed to create a fragrance in the mouth, eliminate bad odour, improve the sense of taste and cause the teeth to glow and shine.

Supposed benefits not related to teeth and gum include sharpening memory, curing headaches, creating a lustre on the face of the one who continually uses it, strengthening the eyesight, assisting in digestion and clearing the voice. However, none of these claims has been researched scientifically.

Answer 4

The miswak is a chewing stick obtained from the persica plant. A traditional form of medicine, the miswak is rooted in religious and cultural custom and its use is widespread in Middle Eastern Muslim countries.
Investigators revealed that use of the miswak stick was at least as effective as regular toothbrushing for reduction of plaque and control of gingivitis. They also noted that persica was an effective treatment and preventive medicine for periodontal disease.

Answer 5

dear friend there is a stick of MISWAK which is used to clean teeth. Miswak stick is stick of neem tree(in india). this tree is scientifically proved to be very usefull for health and many multinational companies use this for there product and you can find thousand of modern health product which contains neem.

one most important aspect of using miswak for every religion is that many toothpaste contain animal fats in that. so miswak is one of the best vegiterian alternative for every one.

if some one want to purchase it you will get it for less than Rs 5 only in shops selling islamic books, etc

Answer 6

muslim answer called muswak stick antiseptic twig teeth

Answer 7

It does not mean what you think. It means to stay away from sexual intercourse thats all. It has nothing to do with children islam forbides hitting in any way or form.

[13:24] Gardens of Eternity. They shall enter them and also those who are righteous from among their fathers, and their wives and their children. And the angels shall enter unto them from every gate, saying,

[30:22] And of His Signs is that He has created wives for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that, surely, are Signs for a people who reflect.

Holy Quran

Answer 8

Its Miswak. Its a twig used to clean teeth.

How is that a punishment???

http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Miswak

Answer 9

im not muslim but i know a lot about islam
an what you are talkin about is absolutely ...
i mean where did you hear this
its not true
they used to use this stick because long ago there was no tooth brush or paste
this stick indeed has floride in it
and it help in cleaning the teeth

Answer 10

This is commonly used to beat your wife with. It's not meant to cause pain, but humility, to keep them in line.
It's also used as a tooth brush.