Most-asked question

Is counting zikr on beads or an electronic counter permissible?

21 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 5 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, AskImam, Jamiat KZN, Azaadville, Ibn Masood). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“1. Your question is unclear. Generally, prayer beads (tasbeeh) are used to pray (make zikr). They are not worn. You may elaborate on your query and resend it to the admin: admin@daruliftaa.net Ref. Mudassir Benish”

AskImam — Can a Muslim wear prayer beads? · 27 Jul 2019

“A Tasbeeh counter is not from the Shi’aar (salient features) of Deen. However, it will be best to bury it, as throwing it into a bin will be tantamount to disrespect.”

Ibn Masood — Disposal Of Tasbeeh Counters · 23 Sep 2025

“If the beads do have medicinal benefits and are proven to be helpful medically then it is permissible. And if it is merely a superstition then it should be avoided.”

Mufti Online — Making children wear Amber beads necklace for teething · 1 Feb 2021

“Although the purpose of such a ring is to count Dhikr, display time, and indicate the Qibla direction; it does have the prominent shape of a ring. We are not permitted to use rings other than those made of silver for men, or gold or silver for women. Hence, you should abstain from using such rings.”

Azaadville — Tasbeeh Counter Rings · 21 Apr 2025

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Disposal Of Tasbeeh Counters Ibn Masood · 23 Sep 2025
  2. Authenticity of the Hadith Regarding Counting Dhikr on the Fingers Jamiat KZN · 4 Feb 2020
  3. Can a Muslim wear prayer beads? AskImam · 27 Jul 2019
  4. Tying black beads around a newborn baby's hands Mufti Online · 9 Oct 2016
  5. Tasbeeh Counter Rings Azaadville · 21 Apr 2025
  6. Using the fingers as Zikr Counters Jamiat KZN · 27 Nov 2014
  7. Counter Strike and Skin Gambling AskImam · 19 Oct 2017
  8. Putting black beads on the hands of the newborn baby Mufti Online · 18 Nov 2014
  9. Tasbeeh Counters AskImam · 18 Jun 2014
  10. Making children wear Amber beads necklace for teething Mufti Online · 1 Feb 2021
  11. Is it permissible to play counter-strike? AskImam · 30 Mar 2012
  12. Tying black beads around the hand of a newborn baby Mufti Online · 20 Jan 2019
  13. Is utilising incantations permissible? Especially black beads worn around the wrist of babies? AskImam · 28 Sep 2011
  14. Using a zikr counter Mufti Online · 4 Mar 2018
  15. Is a married woman in parda allowed to stand behind the counter and be in contact with male customers helping her husband? AskImam · 29 Apr 2002

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