Prayer beads — known in Arabic as “subha” — have been part of the Islamic tradition for centuries. Even though the beads did not exist during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) or his caliphs, history tells us that the subha as we know it today originated in India in the second century of Islam. The original idea of the subha was to keep track of the number of times certain prayers and invocations had been recited — “Subhan Allah” (Glory to God), “Alhamdulilah” (Praise God) and “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest). As narrated in the teachings and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a Muslim is rewarded for reciting these a certain number of times following every prayer.
Many religions use similar ways — such as knotted cords or shawls — to assit their followers in performing religious devotions. Before the subha, tradition tell us that stones were used; in times, the stones gave way to hand-made beads on a small chain. The Ottoman Turks who ruled vast swathes of the Muslim world for centuries were known for their attachment to the subha. They employed precious and semi-precious stones from all over their empire to add to the beauty of the item.
In the 21st century, many Saudis and other Arabs are proud to own a high-quality subha. Though modern factories make beads from plastic and other synthetic materials, handmade beads are highly valued and increase their owner’s prestige. At present, those who can make a quality subha are a relatively small number, scattered all over the Middle East.
At the 21st Janadriya Festival for Culture and Heritage in Riyadh, Arab News met a Saudi who makes handmade beads. He has a special stall at the festival where he displays different kinds of beads, of varying colors, shapes and sizes.
Muhammad Asiri, 47 from Abha, says that he has been working as a beadmaker for over 30 years. “I began learning when I was a child,” he says. He explained that he first collects the precious and semi-precious stones from different places, including Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, India and even China. He then adds his own special touch to the subha by choosing the appropriate thread and tail, known locally as the “tarboosh.” According to Asiri, every bead maker adds his own personal touch to the subha. “My handmade beads are distinguished by the ornaments and the style of knotting the tail of the subha,” he explained. His knots are indeed known by connoisseurs all over the Kingdom; in addition, other beadmakers recognize his work instantly. Asiri says that many people in the Kingdom buy a subha when they want to give a gift to someone they love for a special occasion. The subha represents a person’s gratitude or regard for another and is cherished by all Arabs if received as a gift.
Asked about kinds of subhas, Asiri said that there are many kinds which differ from one another depending on the substances they were made from, the color of the gems or stones, the shape of the tarboosh and the kind of thread used. “There are three categories of subhas, according to their substances. The first is made from plastic which you find many examples of in the market. The second is made from wood such as the “kook bead,” or the “oak bead.” As for the gem stone beads, there are the “amber bead,” “turquoise bead,” and the “sandalose bead.” Among the most sought-after subhas are those made with the “tiger eye bead.” Also highly valued is the “black amber bead.” According to the gems or stones in the subha, the kind of thread used and the style and shape of the tarboosh, a subha’s value is determined.
In the local market prices range from SR2 for a plastic one to SR100,000 for a handmade one using the highest quality stones and threads.
Asiri says that he uses thread from Korea since it is easy to burn and very flexible. He does not use silk threads even though many skilled makers go. Because of his ability and skill, he has become famous and has traveled abroad to exhbit Saudi handicrafts. “I was sent by the Higher Commission for Tourism to an exhibition in Egypt. I also participated in an exhibition entitled “Saudi Days” held in London in 2004 which was sponsored by the Saudi Embassy there.”
He said that he would also participate again through the Higher Commission for Tourism in another exposition in Egypt and would also participate in another exposition in London. He said that this is his fourth year at the Janadriya Festival. He also has a shop in Dammam. In addition to making and selling subhas, Asiri said that he also collects rare stones that lare shaped like animals, familiar items and even people.
“I have a display of rare stones that I have collected from all over the world. I have a stone that looks like a desert flower and another which looks like a human head and I took it with me to London. I use them for display; they are not for sale,” he explained. “They are too precious to let go.”
