Qassim Region Preserves Craft of Sabha Prayer Beads as Cultural Heritage

📷SPA

Qassim, September 7, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The centuries-old craft of making Sabha (prayer beads or Tasbih beads) continues to thrive in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim Region, where artisans preserve a tradition that blends cultural heritage, artistry, and personal expression, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Originally, early Muslims counted Tasbih using fingers, pebbles, or date pits before the Sabha became a widespread tool. Today, these beads are crafted from diverse materials including wood, ivory, precious stones, and Bakelite—a rare early plastic produced between 1910 and 1980—often repurposed to suit customer preferences.

Typically containing between 33 and 99 beads, Sabhas are meticulously handcrafted in specialized workshops. In Qassim’s markets, they stand out for their vibrant colors, distinctive materials, and symbolic value as gifts that reflect both identity and style.

Craftsman Saleh Al-Majhadi, with more than nine years of experience, said the craft combines “passion, artistry, and investment,” noting strong demand during Hajj, Umrah, and holiday seasons. Customers often purchase distinctive Sabhas engraved with names or in bulk for weddings and family gatherings.

Craftsman Omar Al-Harbi added that what began as a hobby for him grew into a thriving trade, describing the field of prayer beads as broad, with each type defined by its own unique material and character.

Prices vary widely, ranging from affordable pieces to Sabhas worth thousands of riyals, especially those made from natural amber or rare Yemeni agate, which are highly valued for their rarity and beauty.

Qassim Region supports artisans through exhibitions, markets, and empowerment programs, particularly during the Year of Handicrafts, ensuring the tradition remains both economically sustainable and culturally significant.