What is the ruling on glorifying Allah using prayer beads (masbahah), whether in one's free time or while walking, and what is the ruling on carrying them merely for playing with them?

Glorifying Allah with the fingers is better than using a rosary (misbaha), as this has been reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. However, scholars have permitted the use of the rosary based on what was narrated about Juwayriyah, may Allah be pleased with her, that she used to glorify Allah using date pits. There is no harm in carrying a rosary for glorification in any posture (sitting, standing, walking). As for carrying it for purposes other than glorification, such as fiddling with it or showing off, it is disliked, and may even be forbidden if it is for showing off, or reprehensible if it is likely to lead to showing off.