Tasbeeh Buying Guide: Wood, Beads and Digital Counters Compared
A tasbeeh comes in three basic forms - a strung bead tasbeeh, a handheld click counter, and a digital smart counter - and the right one depends on where and how you do your dhikr. This guide compares real options by bead count, material and price so you can choose with confidence.
What are the main types of tasbeeh available?
There are three main types: a strung bead tasbeeh (traditionally 33 or 99 wood, stone or acrylic beads), a handheld click counter (a small clicker with a reset dial), and a smart digital tasbeeh such as a Bluetooth ring that logs your count in a phone app. All three do the same basic job of keeping an accurate count - the difference is in feel, portability and whether you want a phone connection.
| Type | Format | Count / specs | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasbeeh 33 Beads TSBT08 | Strung beads | 33 beads | R60 | Quick, pocket-sized counts |
| Wooden Tasbeeh | Strung beads | 99 natural wood beads | R150 | A full dhikr count in one pass |
| Tasbeeh Counter | Handheld clicker | Manual reset dial | R15 | Masjid, travel, on the go |
| iQibla Zikr Ring - Smart Tasbeeh | Bluetooth wearable | OLED display, 40mAh battery, app-linked | R399 | Daily dhikr logs on your phone |
| Amaani Tasbeeh Set | Bead tasbeeh + counter | 99 beads plus matching counter, 17 colours | R199 | Gifting |
How many beads should my tasbeeh have - 33 or 99?
A 33-bead tasbeeh is worked through three times to reach a full count of 99, and its shorter length makes it easy to slip into a pocket. A 99-bead tasbeeh completes the full count in a single pass, which suits longer dhikr sessions at home or after salah without needing to start over.
Should I use a string tasbeeh or a digital counter?
Both count the same way - one press or one bead per phrase - so the choice comes down to setting. A handheld click counter is quick to click and reset, and suits the masjid, travel or anywhere you want a count without beads. A Bluetooth option goes further: it pairs with a phone app, has an OLED display, runs on a 40mAh battery and logs your dhikr for the day alongside salah reminders.
What is a good tasbeeh to give as a gift?
Look for a set that pairs a bead tasbeeh with a matching counter and arrives ready to give. The Amaani Tasbeeh Set does this with a 99-bead tasbeeh and a colour-matched counter in a windowed gift box, available in 17 colours, so the same set works for several people in one family without repeating a colour.
Cii Stores is South Africa's Islamic department store, with a physical shop in Ormonde, Johannesburg, and delivery across the country, so whichever type of tasbeeh suits you, it ships fast or is ready to collect in-store.
Where to browse next
- Tasbeeh collection - the full range of bead tasbeehs, clickers and smart counters.
- Gifts collection - matched sets and boxed pieces ready to give.
- Home & Living collection - everyday Islamic essentials for the home.
- Musallah (Prayer Mats) collection - prayer mats to pair with your dhikr routine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 33-bead and 99-bead tasbeeh?
A 33-bead tasbeeh is cycled through three times to reach 99, while a 99-bead tasbeeh completes the count in one pass. Both are equally valid - the 33-bead version is simply shorter and easier to carry.
Is a digital or clicker tasbeeh counter as accurate as a string tasbeeh?
Yes. A handheld or digital counter tallies one count per press, the same principle as moving one bead per phrase on a string tasbeeh - the format is a personal preference, not a difference in accuracy.
Does the smart tasbeeh ring need a phone nearby to work?
The iQibla Zikr Ring counts on its own OLED display and connects to a companion app over Bluetooth (Android 5.1 or iOS 10 and later) when you want to review or sync your daily dhikr count.
What is the best tasbeeh to buy as a gift?
A matched set that includes both a bead tasbeeh and a counter, in a presentation box, travels well as a gift - the Amaani Tasbeeh Set is built for this with 17 colour options.
Ready to choose yours? Shop the Tasbeeh collection.