What is the ruling on using prayer beads (masbaha)?

Scholars differed concerning the ruling on using a rosary (subhah) for tasbeeh (glorifying God). Some permit its use, while preferring tasbeeh with the fingers. Others consider it an innovation (bid‘ah).

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah held that tasbeeh with a rosary is not superior to tasbeeh with the fingers, and it might even lead to ostentation (riya’).

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-‘Uthaymeen stated that refraining from using a rosary for tasbeeh is preferable. He noted that it is not an innovation because it has a basis in some Companions' tasbeeh using pebbles, but it might lead to ostentation or heedlessness of the heart.

Conversely, Shaykh Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani believed that the rosary is an innovation that did not exist during the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him. He argued that it contradicts the Prophet's guidance of counting with the fingers and might lead to neglecting duties.