Every Prayer Bead Misbaha is unique, handmade by numerous small workshops, and renowned across Palestine; Olive Wood Prayer Beads combine the religious sacredness of the olive tree and a celebratory dimension of Palestinian culture.

The purchase of these prayer beads supports local Palestinian farmers who harvest and trim the trees, and the families who own and take care of the land as well as the artisans and workshops who craft the prayer beads. At Hirbawi we believe in fair trade which is based on the simple idea that the products bought and sold are connected to the livelihoods of others. And so, in collabroation with other Palestinian Businesses such as Olive Wood Oasis, we are committed to responsible, sustainable, fair, and community-based production and trade.

The olive tree is deeply rooted in Palestinian culture. The light of the olive oil lamp is traditionally a symbol of God who is the light of the world; the olive tree is considered the blessed tree and its branches are a symbol of peace. The importance of the olive tree is best described by Mahmoud Darwish, Palestine’s most renowned poet, when referring to the political reality “If the olive trees knew the hands that planted them, their oil would become tears.” Throughout generations, Palestinians have used almost every aspect of that tree: from olives to olive oil, to olive oil soap, and to olive wood handicraft. Not a drop or branch of the tree is wasted, and so many Palestinian families live off its blessings.

These handcrafted olive wood pieces are made from local olive trees that are up to 800 years old. Olive trees are not cut for their wood due to their sacredness within the Palestinian community. Instead, off-cuts from the annual pruning and trimming are used to produce the handicrafts. The olive wood is known for its distinctive quality, durability and is naturally antimicrobial.

Every prayer bead is unique and has its own story to tell. Kindly help us to spread those stories.