What Is a Mala and How Does It Differ from Tasbih? | Luxury R Visible
What Is a Mala and How Does It Differ from Tasbih?
\n\nWhether you have stumbled across the term mala in a yoga class, seen a set of tasbih at a loved one's side during prayer, or simply felt drawn to the quiet beauty of beaded strings, you are not alone in wondering what separates them. They look similar at a glance, they share a purpose rooted in mindfulness and devotion — yet they each carry their own history, count, and spiritual meaning. This guide unpacks both, clearly and honestly.
\n\nWhat Is a Mala and Where Does It Come From?
\nA mala is a string of 108 beads used in Hindu, Buddhist and yogic traditions to count the repetitions of a mantra, a breath cycle, or a sacred name during meditation. The word comes from the Sanskrit mālā, meaning garland or rosary. The number 108 is considered deeply auspicious across multiple traditions — it represents the 108 Upanishads, the 108 names of various deities, and the numerical relationship between the sun, moon and earth in Vedic astronomy.
\n\nA mala typically includes a larger bead at the start and end of the string called the guru bead or sumeru, which marks the beginning and end of a full count and is never crossed during practice. Many malas also carry a tassel. Materials range from sacred rudraksha seeds and sandalwood to natural gemstones such as amethyst, lapis lazuli and rose quartz — each chosen for its energetic or symbolic qualities.
\n\nIn modern practice, malas are also worn as necklaces or wrapped as wrist bracelets (often called mala bracelets), making them both a spiritual tool and a meaningful piece of jewellery. Browse our gemstone jewellery collection to discover handcrafted pieces that carry this same intention.
\n\nWhat Is a Tasbih and How Is It Used in Islamic Practice?
\nA tasbih — also commonly spelled tasbeeh or tesbih, and sometimes called komboli in Turkish and Greek culture — is an Islamic prayer bead string used for dhikr, the devotional act of remembering Allah through repeated phrases. The three most common phrases counted are Subhanallah (Glory be to God), Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God) and Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest), each recited 33 times to reach a total of 99.
\n\nThis is why the two most traditional tasbih counts are 33 beads (cycled three times to reach 99) and 99 beads (one bead per recitation, representing the 99 names of Allah). A marker bead or divider is often placed at the 33rd position in a 99-bead string, and a small decorative finisher or imame marks the starting point.
\n\nTasbih are made from a wide range of materials — natural gemstones, wood, amber, resin and more. At Luxury R Visible, our handcrafted tasbih are made with careful attention to both spiritual intention and material quality. Explore the full tasbih collection to find a set that speaks to you.
\n\nHow Do Mala Beads and Tasbih Compare — What Are the Key Differences?
\nDespite their shared purpose — helping the mind focus through rhythmic counting — mala and tasbih are distinct in their count, tradition, and practice. Here is a clear side-by-side comparison:
\n\n| Feature | \nMala Beads | \nTasbih / Tasbeeh / Tesbih | \n
|---|---|---|
| Tradition | \nHindu, Buddhist, yogic | \nIslamic | \n
| Standard bead count | \n108 beads + 1 guru bead | \n33 beads or 99 beads | \n
| Purpose | \nMantra counting, breath meditation | \nDhikr — remembrance of Allah | \n
| Marker bead | \nGuru bead (sumeru) — never crossed | \nImame or divider bead at position 33 | \n
| Common materials | \nRudraksha seeds, sandalwood, gemstones | \nNatural gemstones, wood, amber, resin | \n
| Also known as | \nMala necklace, mala bracelet, prayer beads | \nKomboli, dhikr beads, prayer beads, tasbeeh | \n
| Worn as jewellery? | \nYes — necklace or wrapped bracelet | \nYes — bracelet Luxury R Visible is a UK-based online jeweller of tasbih, prayer beads and gemstone jewellery, shipping across the UK from luxuryrvisible.com. Last updated: 28 October 2026. You may also find these helpful: |
