The click-rattle of beads is still noticeable in the hands of the hip-jean-wearing, mobile-phone-toting new Saudi generation.
For Saudi yuppies, a string of beads is more than just a noisy trinket. It’s a scrap of tradition that grasps the sounds and flavors of old Saudia.
“The use of misbaha over the years has developed from Saudi history to a symbolic part of modern Saudi culture,” explained Jamal M. Al-Johani, Present Head of Rosary Beads Dealer in Jeddah. Saudi grandfathers still consider them an elegant final touch to the full traditional regalia of thobe, ghutra, iqal and sandals and won’t leave home without one.
Ali Al-Ghamdi, a Saudi government employee says the soft tapping of his wooden beads dissipates his stress; his brother Abdul Aziz says that women are drawn to the rhythmic fingering of his beads. He proudly displays an address book full of names and numbers.
The practice of carrying strings of beads originated in India as a way of counting prayers, Al-Johani commented; today for many they have no purpose other than keeping the hands occupied and are used as a way of taking one’s mind off the daily stresses of life, or bad habits. Some Muslims carry Misbaha — from the Arabic ”Subhe” which means “to exalt” — at all times as a device to encourage the constant remembrance of Allah.
Masabih — plural for Misbaha — can carry a thoroughly modern cost, far removed from the simple misbaha toted by our forefathers. Just around the corner from Mr. Al-Johani’s exclusive designer boutique, Rosary World, two Saudi men in their mid-30s admired each other’s beads. Eventually, they got down to the real issue. How much? “ 200 SR” said one, flicking his string of mother-of-pearl beads on a gold link chain. “Nice”, said his friend, twirling a loop of ivory and polished black stone beads. “These were SR250. But I got a deal. My brother bought the same ones.”
But from more than SR300 at top jewelers, the price of beads hanging in rows cascades down to the cheap bright strings spread out on blankets or at open-air markets and local bazaars.
How to Use ‘Worry Beads’
Using worry beads requires no specific or detailed instruction. Traditionally, the most common way is by allowing gravity to the beads down. Loop the beads around the middle and pointing finger. Use your thumb to guide each bead over the top of your finger. Flipping continues until you have swung all the worry beads and they are back into the position from where you started.
Keep going with this method of flipping until you can perform it involuntarily. The way that provides you the most comfort and relaxation is the correct method. Now you can begin to relieve your mind and body from the stresses of daily life. When the beads are moving envision them bringing what you want and removing negatives.
How Did It All Begin?
Beads can be traced to the beginning of mankind, when they were used as amulets. It was believed that if one wore a “piece” of the animal being hunted it would bring success. Later, beads became functional. They were used to decorate and fasten clothing and in the making of bags.
Then the Chinese invented the abacus which, it is theorized, led to the practice of counting prayers. The stringing of beads allowed the devotee to keep count easily of the number of prayers offered.
The significance of materials used, quantity of beads, and religious lore is unique to each faith. Judaism rejects rosaries because of the talismanic inferences and the belief one must address God directly.
Muslim Prayer Beads
Muslim explorers and traders most likely brought Buddhist prayer beads from Asia and adapted them to Islam. Islam also adopted the idea of saying pieties while counting with beads. The beads can be made of any material from wood to precious stones.
Al-Johani explained that the rosary in Islam consists of 99 beads. Each bead represents one of the 99 attributes of Allah. Allah is represented by the “Alif”, the piece joining the two threads of the rosary together. Cords come out of the leader bead and are attached to two beads and a tassel. The 100th bead or “leader bead” signifies the completion of one cycle of devotion.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
A string of beads is a distraction in times of worry, boredom, or tension or can serve as a reminder of one’s faith. Find a set that matches your budget and taste.
The main objective of carrying worry beads is to soothe the mind, alleviate some of the daily stresses and get rid of bad habits.
