A Prayer to Nature

A ‘Misbah’ is a string of beads used by Muslims for a meditative practice, often following prayer or carried throughout the day. The practice involves repeating three key phrases: Subhan Allah (Glory to God), Alhamdulillah (Thanks be to God), and Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest). Each phrase reflects a specific sentiment: awe of God’s creations, gratitude for blessings, and reverence for God’s greatness. The repetition is symbolised by the number of beads: 33 for Subhan Allah, 33 for Alhamdulillah, and 34 for Allahu Akbar.

The three cascades of glass stones in this sculpture represent the Misbah beads and the connection to nature, offering a visual meditation instead of a tactile one. Each cascade corresponds to one of the three phrases: Green stones represent Subhan Allah, reflecting awe and life. Clear stones symbolize Alhamdulillah, signifying gratitude and purity. Blue stones represent Allahu Akbar, evoking the vastness of seas and skies.

The arrangement of the stones, suspended as if in mid-fall, captures a sense of perpetual motion, transforming the tactile experience of Misbah beads into a contemplative visual journey.