Prayer beads are used in many religions and cultures around the world. They can help pray and meditation, or just keep fingers occupied when under pressure. The prayer bead is a recommended act as it aids in one invoking God.
Islamic prayer beads are called Subha, which means to glorify God. Used by some people when praying and influenced by Islam in their design, for many, the beads are a way to relax, to switch off from the world.
The Subha Islamic prayer bead is a permissible tool for a Muslim to use instead of counting on one’s fingers or digits during one’s regimen (wird).
It is better than counting on one’s fingers and digits if one is safer from making mistakes this way allowing the heart to concentrate.
What is the Muslim Prayer Bead Subha?
The Islamic prayer bead Subha which is pronounced as sub’-ha are attached on a string and then used for meditating.
Islamic Prayer beads are beads attached to a string used to invoke one’s normal invocation. It is a new word introduced into Islamic discourse, and it is a means to righteous actions.
Subha is also known as misbaha, dhikr beads, worry beads. The verb to describe the use of the beads is tasbih or tasbeeha. These verbs are also sometimes used to describe the beads themselves.
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Subha can be explained in an example like “The old woman fingered the Subha (Islamic prayer beads) and recited prayers while she waited for her granddaughter to be born.”
Some people have this misunderstanding of treating Subha as Rosary. Rosary refers to the Christian/Catholic form of prayer beads. Subha is similar in design but has distinct variations.
What is the History of Subha?
In the era of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims did not use Islamic prayer beads as a tool in their prayers but may use jujube cores or pebbles.
The report shows that Caliph Abu Bakr (Allah is satisfied with him) used a Subha similar to modern times. Subha’s extensive manufacturing and use began about 600 years ago.
What materials are used to make Islamic prayer beads and how do they look?
Subha Islamic prayer beads are usually made of round glass, wood, plastic, amber, or gemstones. The cord is usually cotton, nylon, or silk.
Subha’s prayer bead’s style or decor may be different, but they have some common design qualities. Subha has 33 round beads, or 99 round beads (divided into 3 groups by a flat plate, 33 in each group).
One end usually has a larger leading bead and a tassel to mark the beginning of the recitation. The color of the beads is usually uniform throughout the single strand but can vary greatly between groups.
There are various colors and styles on the market, from cheap mass-produced prayer beads to prayer beads made with expensive materials and high-quality craftsmanship.
How to use Subha prayer beads for prayer?
Muslims use the Subha to help count the number of recitations and concentrate on individual prayers. When the admirer recites the words of dhikr (commemoration of Allah), he touches a string of beads at a time.
These recitations usually come from the 99 “names” of Allah, or phrases that praise and praise Allah. These phrases are most often repeated as follows:
Subhannallah (glory to Allah)-33 times
Alhamdilillah (praising Allah)-33 times
Allah Akbar (Allah is great)-33 times
This form of recitation stems from the prophet Muhammad (may he be safe) instructing his daughter Fatima to use these words to remember Allah’s account (hadith).
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He also said that believers who recite these words after each prayer “will forgive all sins, even if they may be as big as bubbles on the sea.”
Muslims can also use Islamic prayer beads in personal prayers to count the recitation of other phrases. Some Muslims also carry beads as a source of comfort, pointing at them when feeling stressed or anxious.
Islamic Prayer beads are a common gift, especially for those returning from Haj.
What are common misconceptions about prayer beads Subha?
Some Muslims may mistakenly believe that Islamic prayer beads protect the body from harm, so they may hang the beads at home or near young babies.
The blue beads with the symbol of “evil eye” are used in a superstitious manner and have no foundation in Islam.
Performers also carry prayer beads, which they swing in traditional dances. These are cultural customs that are not based on Islam.
Where can one buy the Subha?
In the Muslim world, Subha’s sale can be found in independent kiosks, bazaars, and even shopping centers.
In non-Muslim countries, these goods are usually carried by merchants who sell other imported Islamic goods (such as clothing). Cunning people may even choose to do it themselves!
Video: Islamic Prayer Beads Subha
The store is packed in separate worn red and gold bags, while others are packaged in bundles and sell green amber, black coral, and garnet prayer beads at several price ranges, depending on the age and number of stones and beads.
Subha made of blue or yellow amber is usually the most expensive, while the best amber comes from Russia and Germany. For yusr (black coral), never stay away from Yemen or Saudi Arabia, the best wooden beads come from Sudan.
What are the other alternatives besides Subha Islamic Prayer beads?
Some Muslims believe that Subha is an unpopular innovation. They argued that the Prophet Muhammad himself did not use them, but imitated ancient rosary beads used in other religions and cultures.
As an alternative, some Muslims only recite with their fingers. Starting with the right hand, the admirer uses his thumb to touch each joint of each finger. The count of three joints (more than ten fingers) on one finger is 33.
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Imam Ahmad in his book al-Zuhd narrated on the authority of al-Qasim ibn Abd al-Rahman who said, “Abu Darda’ used to have ajwa date seeds in a bag, and he would invoke with them after praying the dawn prayer one by one until they finished.”
Ibn S‘ad also narrates on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that he used to invoke with date seeds grouped.
Conclusion – Islamic Prayer Beads Subha
It is recommended to call prayer beads. If a person feels that he expects to make mistakes, it will be better for them. In this way, in the process of calling, you will concentrate on it, with all your heart, God is supreme.
Thus, Subha is an Islamic prayer bead used for the invocation of god and is believed to provide peace, prosperity, and fulfill the wishes of the person using them.
We hope this article would have provided you with enough information about Subha.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are Subha Islamic Prayer beads?
A Subha is a tool which is used as an aid to perform dhikr, including the names of God in Islam, and the glorification of God after regular prayer. It is often made of wooden or plastic beads, but also of olive seeds, ivory, pearls, and semi-precious stones such as carnelian, onyx, and amber.
How do you use Arabic prayer beads?
Hold the misbaha between your thumb and index finger and feed it through your fingers each time you repeat “Alhamdulillah” aloud or in your mind. Do this 33 times until your fingers meet the next divider bead. “Alhamdulillah” means “all thanks and praises be to Allah” and it’s a common prayer to express gratitude.
Why are there 33 beads on the Subha?
While Subha consisting of 33 beads relate to a hadith that calls on Muslims, after they have prayed, to repeat subhanallah (glorious is God) 33 times, Alhamdulillah (all praise be to God) 33 times and Allahu Akbar (God is great) 33 times. The very name, misbaha, means praise to God.
What do you say in tasbeeh?
Glorified is Allah and by His praise. Glorified is my Lord, the Great, and by His praise. Glorified is my Lord, the Highest, and by His praise. There is no Allah except You, glorified are you!
Are prayer beads biblical?
Prayer beads are used by members of various religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and the Bahá’í Faith to mark the repetitions of prayers, chants or devotions, such as the rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Catholicism, dhikr (remembrance of God) in Islam and Jaap in Hinduism.
Can you wear Islamic prayer beads?
You can maintain your count without looking and even keep count while your beads are in your pocket or clenched in your hand. You can choose to wear your beads as a necklace, bracelet or simply keep them wrapped around your hands.