Lahore: The holy month of Ramadan leads to an increase in worship, and accordingly, there is a significant increase in the demand for prayer beads, caps and prayer mats across the country.
According to shopkeepers, the sale of these items increases by 35 to 40 percent in this blessed month, while prices have also increased by 15 to 20 percent compared to last year.
Different types of caps are being sold in Lahore’s markets these days. Traders say that due to import restrictions and increase in taxes, caps and prayer beads are being manufactured locally by importing raw materials from many countries. Currently, raw materials are being imported from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey and China.
According to Saeed-ur-Rehman, a shopkeeper who has been selling caps, prayer beads and prayer mats near the Shahada Mosque for many years, Bangladeshi caps are the most popular, which are made from jute. The special thing about these hats is that they are soft and do not deteriorate after washing, however, they are more expensive than other hats.
Tasbeeh beads are mostly imported from China, where different types such as crystal, stone, plastic and mung beans are available. Unique and beautiful tasbeehs are made from these materials. The price of Chinese tasbeeh ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 5,000, while the price of hats ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 1,500. The special red hat imported from Turkey is even more expensive. Similarly, some tasbeehs are also made from precious stones or camel bone, the price of which reaches thousands of rupees.
During the blessed month of Ramadan, people are more inclined towards worship, due to which these items are bought more. Many people also buy these items as gifts. Shopkeepers say that the increase in taxes has also increased the prices of these items, which has raised concerns among citizens.
Abdul Rehman, a young man who came to buy caps and prayer beads, said that he already had caps, but he is also buying new caps for his father and brother during this holy month. Similarly, an elderly citizen, Mian Shahnawaz, said that he is shopping to gift prayer beads and caps to worshipers visiting the mosque.
According to scholars, reciting the names of Allah and reciting the tasbeeh is an ancient Islamic tradition. Muslims usually use prayer beads made of stone, pearls or beads, but in modern times, the trend of digital prayer beads is also increasing. The younger generation especially likes digital prayer beads more, while elderly worshipers still prefer traditional prayer beads.
This tradition of worship and remembrance during Ramadan is centuries old, which is becoming stronger with time.
