Coral in Islam — symbol, text and poetry
Coral ( marjān — مرجان) occupies a unique place in the Islamic imagination: it appears in the Qur'an, is used as a material for tasbīḥs (prayer beads), and nourishes the spiritual poetry of Sufi masters. This article brings together the textual references and symbolic interpretations that explain why coral is often considered a noble material for dhikr (remembrance of God).
Coral in the Quran
The term marjān appears in Surah Ar-Rahmān: “minhouma al-lu'lu wa al-marjān” — “From these two seas [Allah] brings forth the pearl and the coral.” (Ar-Rahmān) . In classical exegesis, the image of the pearl and the coral refers to the hidden beauty at the heart of creation: the life that is born from the depths and the light that emanates from it.
Why coral for the tasbīḥ?
Several reasons explain the use of coral in the making of rosaries:
- Its density and texture provide a pleasant feel, ideal for repeated handling.
- Its color and appearance evoke nobility and beauty — spiritual qualities sought by dhikr.
- Coral, being shaped by the sea and time, embodies patient transformation, parallel to inner purification (tazkiya).
Coral in poetry and the khassida
Coral is also a very present poetic image in Sufi language. It serves sometimes as a metaphor for spiritual beauty, sometimes as an emblem of the rarity and value of a master.
"He has become like coral among the saints."
This formulation means, without literary exaggeration, that Sheikh Ahmad at-Tijani occupies a place of honor among the saints: in the way that coral adorns and sustains marine life, his presence spiritualizes and enriches the assembly of the righteous. It is an image of beauty, permanence, and spiritual adornment.
From sea to hand — craftsmanship and respect
Coral, when used for a tasbih, commands respect—both for the material itself and its origin. The artisans who work with these beads strive to preserve the original beauty of the marjan, polishing without altering its substance. It is this care and expertise that YusrTasbih highlights in its Yusr Khor pieces.
