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  Toya September 13, 2011 at 4:58pm

   

  I am wondering if someone can explain the significance of the two tassles on this prayer strand. Some strands I have seen have only one tassle end, while others have two. Also , in photgraphs of Mauretanian women  doing the Guedra dance the women have a long strand of beads with tassles. Are these prayer beads as well?
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  Eva Baby September 13, 2011 at 6:01pm

  @I have asked my husband (who is Malian from the North, where they have influence from Mauritania, ) - he said the tassles are just  for decoration. But if someone says something else, forget my answer...
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  Alaa eddine SAGID September 14, 2011 at 12:40am

  Hi Toya and Eva,

   

  Well this kind of prayer is very particular.

   

  It is used to recite the thousand prayer.

   

  Usually the devotee would choose one prayer and repeat it counting the beads (they should count 100) and every 100 he would then slide one of the smallest beads in the top tassel (they should count 10) so at the end after sliding completely the  10 small beads into one side he would be sure to have recited the prayer 1000 times (10x100)

   

  The prayers are usually: Praise be Allah, Allah is the greatest...... or even the smallest verses of the Quran

   

  There are believes that repeating these prayers a thousand time at some very distinct part of the day or the night, should fulfill ones prayers, or protection.....

   

  I have got one in this style made out of aliminium with an incredible patina

   

  The biggest beads is called "shahed" wich means "the witness" for it recalls you each time made a complete lap
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  Toya September 14, 2011 at 2:16am

  Thank you, Ayis, for this wonderful explanation of the use of the beads. I had a feeling you would know the answer.

   
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  Eva Baby September 14, 2011 at 7:53am

  @Thank you Ayis, for your explanation, too from my side.