Description of Ebony (أبنوس) and Camel Bone Tasbih
Ebony is an extremely heavy, durable hardwood derived from the Diospyros genus of plants. It has a particularly beautiful shine when polished and is often used to make piano keys. In ancient times, the famous historian Herodotus recorded that the Ethiopians sent a tribute, to Persia, of 200 logs of ebony every three years. Muslims, historically, used ebony for many purposes including the inlay work on minbars and, of course, prayer beads.
As for camel bone, it too has been used since ancient times. Within Islamic crafts, bones of camels are obtained from halal sacrificed, healthy animals. Very little of the camel goes to waste and bones are kept to create a variety of items such as elaborate decorative items, combs, and tasbihs. The beauty of camel bone is in its pristine white color that is smooth to the touch. It has become a replacement for ivory tusks since the latter involves cruelty to animals and is illegal.
In terms of Islamic symbolism, the colours of this particular tasbih represent something extremely profound. On the surface level, white is the color of purity and goodness while black is the color of mans fallen nature; as the Holy Quran (95: 4-5) states:
Verily We created man in the fairest rectitude.
Then cast We him down to be the lowest of the low.
However, some great mystics have described black under a different connotation. For them, the “black light” is what the mystic passes through, and emerges from, in the state of baqaa; a particular state of life with God, through God, in God, and for God. It is the emerald mountain; the symbol of divine proximity and eternal duration.
It is with great gratitude that Rumi’s Garden has been able to collaborate with a fifth-generation guild in old Cairo, beside the tomb of the Prophet’s ﷺ grandson, Imam Husayn. Great care was taken to ensure that only the highest quality natural materials were used in the making of this rosary. Variations and inconsistencies may exist since it is handmade.
Details of Large Islamic Prayer Beads Set made of Ebony and Camel Bone
۩ Country of Origin: Egypt
۩ Bead Material: Ebony and Camel Bone
۩ Bead Size: Approximately 9 x 8 mm (Rounded Disk Beads)
۩ Rukn (Elongated Pillar) & Dividers: Handmade from Ebony and Camel Bone
۩ Tassel: Black + White
۩ Number of Beads: 100 (33-17-17-33)
۩ Length: Approximately 40 cm (without rukn)
۩ Weight: Approximately 52 grams
۩ Overall Misbaha Size: Large (L)
۩ Packaging: Handmade hemp pouch
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