The Tasbih is a form of dhikr that involves the repetitive utterance of short prayers in praise and glorification of Allah in Islam, by saying Subḥanallah, which means “God is perfect (free from any error/defect)”. To keep track of the count, the phalanges of the right hand or a misbaha are used.
1. Description
While used in many other religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity), prayer beads in Islam are known by different names: misbaha, sub’ha, dhikr beads, tasbih, or tasbeeha. They come in different shapes, sizes, and textures, and usually have 33 round beads separated by flat or larger beads into three groups of 11.
There is often a large leader bead and a tassel at one end to mark the starting point for recitations. The worshipper touches one bead at a time while reciting words of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). These recitations may be the 99 names of Allah or phrases praising God.
2. Etymology
The term tasbeeh is based on three root letters, namely: “seen,” “ba,” and “ha” from the Arabic language. The meaning of the root word when written means to glorify. ‘Tasbeeh’ is an irregular derivation of subhan, which is the first word of the constituent prayer of the first third of the canonical form of tasbeeh.
The word literally means, as a verb, “to travel quickly” and, as a noun, “duties” or “occupation.” However, in the devotional context, tasbih refers to Subhana Allah, which is often used in the Quran with the preposition “an.” Without this preposition, it means something like “Glory to God.”
3. Interpretation
The phrase can be translated more or less as “Praise be to God” or “Glory to God.” Another translation is: “The void is God.” The root of the word subḥan is derived from the word sabaḥa, which means “to swim” or “to float on the surface,” giving the phrase a meaning that God is above any imperfection or false description.
The phrase often has the connotation of praising God for his total perfection, implying a rejection of any anthropomorphic elements or associations with God, or any attribution of errors or faults to him.
Therefore, it serves as a testimony to God’s transcendence:
For example, the Quran says subḥana llahi amma yaá¹£ifun, which translates as: “Glory be to God [who is free from] what they describe,” and subḥana llahi amma yusrikun, which is: “Glory be to God [who is free from] what they associate with him.” There is no exact counterpart for this phrase in the English language, so all of the above meanings combined have the meaning of that word.
1. Types of Tasbih
Here are the types of Tasbih used in Islamic prayers:
Wood
Often carved with small geometric or floral designs, wood symbolizes humility and simplicity. Lightweight to carry, they are often used when traveling. Some people dip wooden prayer beads in the holy water of Zamzam, from a well in Mecca, during their pilgrimage.
Coral
One of the unique aspects of precious coral is its durability and captivating red color, making it popular for both jewelry and prayer beads.
Amethyst
The ancient Greeks believed that the violet quartz protected people from intoxication.
Aqeeq (carnelian agate)
It is said that the Prophet Muhammad used to wear a ring made of this reddish-brown stone with “Prophet Muhammad of Allah” carved on the surface, which he used as his personal seal when stamping documents.
Gold
Often decorated with diamonds, prayer beads made of gold are a symbol of fashion and status and a sign of modern times.
Black onyx
A black chalcedony quartz with a fine texture, this is a stone of reverence and strength. Prayer beads made from this stone are often custom-made with the name of the bead owner stamped with delicate traces of mother-of-pearl. Known as the stone of self-control, they are often given to elders as a sign of respect and good wishes.
Lapis Lazuli
The deep sky-blue stone has an ancient past filled with legends of magic, power, wisdom, and truth. Used by ancient royalty, it is considered one of the most valuable prayer beads due to its natural beauty. It is believed to inspire gratitude and reflection on the great beauty of nature.
Fayrouz (turquoise)
The distinctive blue-green stone is believed in popular culture to ward off the evil eye and negative energy caused by hasad (envy). This belief is thought to have begun in pre-Islamic times when the stone was used in talismans and amulets against evil. While scholars have disapproved of this practice, many Muslims still seek prayer beads made from fayrouz and carry them with them as protection against the evil eye.
Pearl
Loved for their “pure” beauty, pearls are a popular choice for prayer beads, particularly among the faithful. Believed to harness feminine energy, holding a set of pearl prayer beads is supposed to generate admiration and gratitude for God’s creations and a sense of harmony in meditation.
Amber
Although it may look like stone, amber is actually fossilized resin and comes in different shades of yellow, brown, orange, and white. It is said to remove negative energy and reduce inflammation. Its earthy colors are soothing, making it a popular material for prayer beads.
2. Uses
It is also often recited during Islamic prayer (salat), supplication (dua), during a sermon (khutba) in the mosque, and during everyday interactions between Muslims. In popular culture, it is often used to express shock or amazement.
Muslims are also encouraged to say the phrase 33 times after prayer and throughout the day. Muhammad taught Muslims that it is one of the four praises that God likes Muslims to say continuously.
3. Why is a Tasbih used?
- The tasbih is a prayer bead used to mark the count in a prayer. Tasbih is an ancient Iranian word that later became part of the Arabic language. The English word “beads” comes from the Old English word “beda,” meaning prayer. Prayer beads or tasbih help one focus while counting short prayers.
- Although Zoroastrianism does not have a strong tradition of using prayer beads, a few Zoroastrians use them, especially for chanting the Vohu, Yatha ahu Vairyo, and 101 names. Prayer beads used by Zoroastrians usually have 101 beads on them. The beads can be made of sandalwood, plastic, rudraksh, or other materials. They are usually separated every 33 beads by a bead of a different size.
4. Uses in other religions
Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs use prayer beads to mark the repetitions of prayers, chants, or devotions. Here are other religious beliefs that use the Tasbih:
- Judaism: This is the only religion that is not known to use prayer beads. Different traditions have a different number of beads on their prayer beads, ranging from 333 to 108.
- Hindus: Hindus are the oldest people to use prayer beads. They have been known to use prayer beads for at least 2,500 years. Hindus call their prayer beads “japa mala” and use them for nam smaran and chanting mantras.
- Christians: call their prayer beads “rosary”and use them to keep count of Hail Marys or the Creed.
- Muslims: call their prayer beads “misbah” or “Tasbih.” They use them to pray the names of Allah or the “Tasbih of Fatima.” In Islamic countries, people generally carry prayer beads in their hands at all times.
5. How to use a Misbaha
A misbaha (an Arabic word) is a collection of beads used throughout the world by Muslims and Arab Christians to keep track of tasbih or dhikr (remembrance of Allah). It is usually made of wooden beads, but can also be made of ivory, pearls, and plastic. Misbaha also come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes; larger misbahas include 99 beads and smaller ones have 33.
Phrases that are often repeated include: Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) 33 times; Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) 33 times; and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest) 33 times.
During the time of the Prophet, people used their hands to recite the phrases, and this practice is still common today. Pebbles were also used to count prayers.
Step 1: Purchase a misbaha.
You can buy it online or at a store that is well-stocked with Arabic decorations. Misbahas come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, so choose one that you like. It may look like a bracelet or necklace and can also be worn as one.
Step 2: Hold the misbaha in your hand.
Place the misbaha between your thumb and index finger, making sure you are holding the “tail” of the misbaha.
Step 3: Proceed with the prayer
Begin by passing one bead through your two fingers while saying the first prayer. Then pass the second bead and repeat the same prayer. Do this thirty-three times for the first prayer, Allahu Akbar.
Step 4
Repeat the previous steps with the second prayer, Alhamdulillah, thirty-three times.
Step 5
Repeat step two with the third prayer, Subhanallah, thirty-three times.
Step
End your prayers by saying the words la ilah ila Allah (there is no God but Allah).
Step
Put away your misbaha. It can be stored on a shelf or in a drawer, or it can be worn around the neck or wrist.
