Prayer beads are used by followers of a number of religions including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Bahai Fait and Christianity. They are used to count the repetitions of prayers, devotions, for meditation, protection against negative energy and for relaxation.

Prayer beads, which were first used by Hindus in 500 BC and may be linked to the invention of the abacus by the Chinese, may have physical, metaphysical and psychological effects on their users. They allow the user to keep track of prayers with little effort by almost subconsciously counting out the beads.

Prayer beads are used in three widely accepted ways:
  •   repetition of the same devotion a set number of times.
  •   repetition of several different prayers in a pattern.
  •   meditation.

Hinduism

The earlist known users of prayer beads, they call them Japa Mala, Japa meaning repeating of a mantra and Mala a garland. The most common mala have 108 beads, thought to signify the number of sins or names of Hondu gods,or 27 which are counted four times. They are typically made from Tulasi wood and Rudraksha seeds.

Buddhism

Also known as Japa Mala, Tibetan Buddhists also use 108 beads, one mala counting as 100 mantras and eight extra to be dedicated to all sentient beings . They sometimes use a slightly larger mala of 111 beads, again one mala being calculated as 100 mantras and the additional eleven to componsate for errors. In China, wrist malas are often made of 27 beads and are sometimes referred to as prostration rosaries, as they are easier to hold when prostrate. They can be made of wood, seeds or animal bone. Semi precious stones such as amethyst and carnelian, are also used.

Islam

In Islam, the prayer beads are known as Misbaha or Tasbih and are made up of 99 beads corresponding to the names of Allah. Smaller ones are made of 33 beads rotated three times. They are traditionally used to keep count of the prayer known as Tasbih of Fatima or are sometimes used as worry beads for relieving stress. They are made of wood or date pits produced in Mecca.

Sikhism

Sikhs use 108 beads to pray and meditate by repeating God's name. The mala may be a metal chain strung with beads of steel, sandalwood or plastic, or a smaller version using anything from 7 to 58 beads strung on rigid steel.

Christianity

When the first rosarys were made, 150 beads were used representing the number of psalms in the bible. That number is still used although there are variations of one third and two thirds, representing different types of prayer. Catholics use the Holy Rosary with 54 beads plus an additional 5 beads as prayer beads.
They are usually composed of beads made of glass, amethyst Quartz, onyx or pearl, with a silver or gold crucifix at the centre. Eastern Orthodox Christians use 33, 50 or 100 knots of wool or sometimes beads to pray although these are mainly used by the higher clergy.