What is a misbaha?

A misbaha—also known as tasbih—is a set of prayer beads Muslims use for dhikr, the remembrance of Allah. It usually has 33 or 99 beads, sometimes with a marker bead or a tassel to separate sections. 

It’s used to help count praises: 

● SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) 

● Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah) 

● Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 

But more than that, it’s a way to ground yourself in moments of quiet faith. 

Your fingers move, your heart follows. One bead. One breath. One remembrance at a time. 

Why do Muslims use prayer beads?

It’s not about the object—it’s about the act. 

We live distracted lives. Our thoughts jump from one thing to the next. But dhikr is meant to slow us down. And misbaha helps with that. It gives the hands something to do while the heart does its work. 

Some use it after salah. 

Others in the middle of a stressful day. 

Sometimes you’ll find someone silently counting SubhanAllah while walking, waiting, or just sitting with their thoughts. 

It becomes a kind of rhythm. 

Not loud. Not dramatic. Just... present. 

Why 33 beads? Why not more or less? 

This comes straight from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). After prayer, he recommended reciting: 

● SubhanAllah 33 times 

● Alhamdulillah 33 times 

● Allahu Akbar 34 times 

That totals 100. 

And so the 33-bead misbaha became common. 

Some are made with 99 beads, representing the 99 Names of Allah. The 100th bead? A gentle reminder that you’ve arrived—until you begin again. 

Is it haram to use a misbaha? 

No. There’s a difference between using a tool for remembrance and placing your trust in the tool itself. 

Some people choose to use their fingers, and that’s beautiful too. But using a misbaha is completely allowed in Islam—as long as your intention is sincere. 

It’s not about the beads. It’s about dhikr. 

If the misbaha helps you focus, brings you closer to Allah, or builds a habit of remembrance, it becomes a means of worship—not a distraction. 

So what do these beads actually mean in Islam? 

They mean remembrance. They mean rhythm. They mean returning—again and again—to the name of the One who created you. 

They’re not magic. They’re not ornamental (though some are very beautiful). They’re practical. Poetic. Personal. 

They symbolize a life that remembers Allah not just in grand acts, but in quiet moments. With every bead, you’re training your heart to come back home. To rely less on the noise, and more on the silence where you find Him. 

Let it be more than just beads. 

A misbaha is a reminder to slow down. To pause for a moment in your day and return to something deeper. It’s a way to build consistency in your dhikr, and make space for reflection—even when everything else feels rushed. 

Whether you're just starting your journey or deepening your practice, the misbaha is a small step that can bring real peace. 

At Light of Sakina, we believe a misbaha is more than just beads — it’s a companion for your soul’s quiet journey back to remembrance. 

Discover handcrafted misbahas that honor tradition, invite reflection, and help you find peace in every moment. 

Start your journey today with us and let every bead bring you closer to what matters most.