Tasbeeh

A tasbeeh or tasbih is a set of beads on a thread used by Muslims. A tasbeeh helps keep count of supplications. Tasbeeh are used after prayers but a tasbih can be used during any time of the day or night. Tasbeeh are very similar to rosary beads used by Christians. The tasbih is an aid to remembrance. On a standard tasbih there will normally be 33 beads. Some tasbeeh will have 99 beads. The number on the tasbih is derived from Islamic evidences whereby the user will repeat a certain supplication 33 times. Another invocation will then be completed using the tasbeeh and will stop after three complete supplications have been performed on the tasbih. However, there are no limits to using a tasbeeh and it is a common sight to see Muslims reciting on a tasbih as they walk or holding the tasbih whilst on public transport or using a tasbeeh for quiet reflection.

Tasbeeh are produced from all manner of objects. A tasbih can be made from natural objects such as pearls and jewels. Gold or silver threads will complete the tasbih. Simpler tasbeehs will be fashioned from plain wooden beads placed onto a single cotton thread. Historically the tasbih was made out of old pips and seeds from discarded fruit.

Nowadays tasbeeh are widely available in all types of wood. Most common tasbeeh woods are sandalwood and rosewood. Wooden tasbih beads will be scented for enhanced attraction. The tasbeeh may be decorated with crystals and pearls with sterling silver or gold linings. The more ornate tasbih may be produced entirely from sterling silver or gold beads with gold thread. For technophiles tasbih now come equipped with mechanical counter tasbeeh that work on the simple premise of the user clicking the tasbih counter which will then keep track of the supplications.

Tasbeeh beads come in a delightful variety of geometrical shapes. The tasbih is a wonderful illustration of traditional and contemporary Islamic workmanship. A simple tasbeeh bead will usually be spherical. More decorative tasbih beads will be fashioned depending on the material used. For wooden tasbeeh beads it may be carved into flower or petal shapes. Sterling silver or other metal tasbih beads will represent stars or droplets of rain or snow.
The tasbeeh is seen by Muslims as a good luck charm. A tasbih is sometimes hung in cars or the tasbeeh will be carried through out the day. The tasbeeh will adorn numerous objects or tasbihs will be used as decorative pieces. For example a heavy wooden tasbeeh may be hung onto walls while smaller silver tasbihs will be given as jewellery pieces. Many receive tasbih as a gift from people returning from Hajj. An ornately decorated tasbeeh will be given as a wedding gift or in some circumstances the tasbih will be bequeathed in a will. Due to the huge range of designs available tasbeeh prices will vary immensely with diamond encrusted tasbih or tasbeeh setting you back several thousand pounds.