Misbaha

As Misbaha (Arabic مسبحة, DMG MISBAHA, also Masbaha; مسابح Pl / Masabih ) or Subha ( سبحة, DMG Subha; سبح Pl / Subah ) is called a common prayer in Islam chain. In non- Arabic languages ​​and countries it is also called Tasbih, Tesbih or tespih, but this is not entirely correct, since these names in the Arabic language actually describe the process of glorification.

The prayer chain supports speaking or counting prayer formulas ( Tasbih / تسبيح / Tasbih /, praise '; Tasabih Pl / تسابيح / tasābīḥ ). Furthermore, it is also used as a talisman ( lucky charm ) and / or suspended as an Islamic symbol, or even worn as a necklace.

History

In the early days of Islam believers are said to have recited in place of a tasbih the name of God with the help of small stones or with your fingers. Because the Prophet Mohammed has probably used no Misbaha, including Wahhabis or other Orthodox scholars and Muslims reject it as un-Islamic innovation (see Bid ʿ a), although Muhammad's friend and first Caliph Abu Bakr has used a kind Misbaha in the form of a hubbed rope.

The Misbaha and in the Middle Ages derived rosary with the Catholic and Orthodox Christians do their prayer, originally from India. In Hinduism and Buddhism, a mala is used as prayer beads.

Function

The Misbaha is an aid in the execution of dhikr, especially in Sufism, and it serves to facilitate the counting when the 99 names of Allah be spoken or Allah - is praised with three commonly used formulas in Islam - often as the conclusion of the prayer. The Muslim speaks 33 times Subhan Allah ( Subhanahu wa Ta'ala ), " Glory to God " 33 times al - hamdulillah (al- hamdu li - llāh ), " Praise be to God " or " Thank God ", 33 times Allahu Akbar ( Allahu Akbar ), " God is greater " and once the Creed ( Lā ilāha Illa llāh ), "there is no god but ( the one ) God." If Muslims do not find the cause or prayer beads with him, they count from the formulas on the fingers.

The Misbaha today, similar to the Greek worry beads, used by men and women as well as jewelry, wearing the Misbaha is considered masculine attribute.

Form

A Misbaha usually has 99 beads which are movable strung on a cord and divided into three sections, each 33 beads. The beads were formerly mostly made ​​of wood, valuable Misbaha beads have among other elaborate encrustations ( ornamental metal inserts ). Other materials such as plastic, ivory, olive stones, glass or real pearls; especially valuable are eg Masabih of blue amber.

The sections are each characterized by an extended or enlarged and differently colored pearl, it is also sufficient only a specially designed circuit pearl. Frequently own Masabih shortly before the final bead a small side chain of up to ten pearls, sitting on a thicker string. These beads will not slide off by itself, with them, the number of rounds prayer is held. After each round a bead is moved, which then remains in place. The main and side chains may be decorated at the ends with fabric tassels or gems.

There are also smaller Masabih with 33 beads, which are also widely available and are often carried. Even fewer beads is possible if, for example, lost that and not be replaced.