There’s something deeply grounding about the soft click of prayer beads sliding through your fingers. It’s not just about counting — it’s a rhythm, a pause, a moment to reconnect. And in our fast-scrolling, notification-pinging world, that’s a rare gift.
I first got introduced to Islamic prayer beads by a close friend after one of those long, heart-spilling late-night conversations. You know the kind — tea in hand, cushions everywhere, the air thick with shared stories and unspoken feelings. She pulled out a string of simple wooden beads and said, “Whenever I’m overwhelmed, this helps me find my balance again.” That moment stuck with me.
The beads felt warm and worn, smooth to the touch — like they’d been through a hundred stories before landing in my palm. That was my first real encounter with tasbeeh.
What are Islamic prayer beads?
Islamic prayer beads — often called tasbeeh, misbaha, or subha — are a string of usually 33 or 99 beads, used to keep count while reciting dhikr, which simply means “remembrance” of God. Think of them as a spiritual mindfulness tool that’s been around for over a thousand years.
They’re not just religious tools either — they’ve become part of cultural expression. These days, I’ve seen tasbeeh sets made of olive wood, crystal, even matte black lava stone. Some have gold detailing, some are handmade by artisans on Instagram — it’s become a whole vibe, especially as Ramadan 2025 has just passed. You’ll find beautifully crafted prayer beads being gifted, displayed, and even shared in #RamadanDecor reels and TikToks. Spirituality meets aesthetic — not a bad combo, really.
How do Muslims use prayer beads?
Muslims typically use prayer beads after the five daily prayers, or whenever they want to center themselves. The standard practice is to recite:
- SubhanAllah (Glory be to God) – 33 times
- Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God) – 33 times
- Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest) – 33 times
These are the basics, sometimes collectively referred to as the Tasbih of Fatimah — a simple yet powerful set of praises.
One of my colleagues swears by doing this in traffic. “If I’m going to be stuck behind a red light for ten minutes,” she said, “might as well come out of it spiritually recharged.” And honestly, I felt that. It’s less about formality and more about being present.
What do you say when using Islamic prayer beads?
There’s no rigid script, which is the beautiful part. The most common phrases are:
- SubhanAllah
- Alhamdulillah
- Allahu Akbar
But you can also say:
- Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness)
- La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)
- Or even something as heartfelt and simple as Ya Allah (Oh God)
It’s your space to reflect, to release, to reconnect. A friend of mine, who’s more into quiet contemplation, prefers to keep it internal — barely moving her lips. She says it helps her focus more on the meaning than the motion. Meanwhile, others whisper or speak softly. Whatever floats your spiritual boat.
How do you use prayer beads?
It’s simple, really. You hold the beads in your right hand, start at the big separator bead or the tassel, and move one bead at a time while reciting your chosen phrase.
One bead = one repetition.
The idea isn’t to race through them, but to fall into a rhythm — kind of like the gentle ticking of a clock that somehow makes time slow down instead of speed up.
I often find myself using them on walks — not as a strict routine, but as a way to stay present. No headphones, just dhikr and birdsong. Try it once and you’ll get what I mean.
And in 2025, where guided meditations and digital wellness trends are all over the place, it’s comforting to use something so tactile, so rooted. In fact, there are digital tasbeeh counters on smartwatches now, but I still find myself drawn to the real thing — the feel of the beads, the soft clicking sound, the reminder that not everything needs a screen.
Why this tradition still matters
Islamic prayer beads aren’t just about the words — they’re about creating a moment. A pause in your day. A reminder that amidst the meetings, the deadlines, and the doom-scrolling, your soul needs a moment too.
And what’s even more exciting? Younger generations are embracing this in new ways. From fashionably designed beads to influencers sharing tasbeeh routines in their self-care content, the ancient meets the modern beautifully. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being intentional.
Even if you’re not Muslim, or you’re just curious about the practice, the concept of repetitive spiritual reflection isn’t exclusive to any one faith. It’s a universal human thing. So if you’re reading this and thinking, “Maybe I could use something like that,” — you probably could.
In Closing: Take Five Minutes For Your Soul
You don’t need a grand plan. Just a moment. Grab a set of prayer beads, or even just count on your fingers. Recite one of the phrases, slowly. Feel the weight of the bead between your fingers. Breathe.
Let it be imperfect. Let it be quiet. Let it be yours.
And hey, if you already use Islamic prayer beads — tell me about it. Got a favorite type of bead? A special phrase you return to again and again? A weird or wonderful place you’ve done dhikr? Leave a comment. Let’s share and grow together.
Because sometimes, all it takes is a single bead to start something beautiful.
Until next time, may your days be gentle and your heart, full of remembrance.