The Ruling on Tasbih with a Misbaha

Question:
May Allah reward you with good. This questioner also asks, Honorable Shaykh: Is there any evidence regarding the use of prayer beads for dhikr (remembrance of Allah)? Is it permissible? And what is the best way?

Answer:
The best way is to recite dhikr with one’s fingers; that is the best. It is permissible to use pebbles for dhikr. The dhikr with pebbles is what was reported from the Mother of the Believers, Juwayriyyah bint al-Harith, who used to do this, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) approved her practice. It is also permissible to use prayer beads, provided one does not believe they have any special virtue. If one uses them merely to count the prescribed dhikr, just as one uses pebbles or fingers, then there is no harm. However, if one uses them believing they have a special virtue and that they are better than other methods, that is a bid'ah (religious innovation). This is the method of the Sufis, who take prayer beads as their symbol. Yes.