Islamic Prayer Beads
Misbaha
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Muslims prayer beads are called misbaha, or tasbih. Tasbih also refers to a form of dhikr (a form of prayer in which a Muslim expresses his remembrance of Allah) in which Allah is repetitively glorified. Misbaha usually have 99 beads, signifying the 99 names of Allah, though some have 33. When a misbaha has 33 beads, the misbaha is said 3 times. They also have a "tassel", which is a long bead that marks the beginning of the chain.
Materials used
Misbaha are made from a variety of materials.
- Wood (ebony, rosewood, olive wood).
- Olive seeds.
- Stone.
- Date pits.
- Rhino horn
- Glass
- Precious or semi-precious stones.
- Coral, pearl or mother of pearl.
Usage
Misbaha are most often used to recite the 99 names of Allah, or the "Tasbih of Fatima". The Tasbih of Fatima which is Subhan'Allah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), each repeated 33 times. This is followed by Allahuakbar (Allah is the Greatest), repeated 34 times, using the tassel for the 34th.