(#228)
Question
Aassalamualaikum
I wanted to ask is it okay for me and my husband to wear a silver wedding ring it is just a simple wedding ring ?
We live in a western country and that the rings will help people know that either of us is married but even not in a western country is okey to wear rings ? silver one ? thank you for your time may allah always protect you
Answer:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته السلام
Muhtaram
We have received your query regarding the ruling wearing rings, our response is as follows:
With the exception of rings, women are permitted to wear all types of plastic and imitation jewellery, With regard to rings, it should be made entirely from gold or silver or be made of at least 12 carat gold or more i.e. the majority of the content must be gold or silver. Any jewellery containing less than 50% gold or silver will be considered to be imitation jewellery.
As for men It is recorded in the commentary of Shamaail-e-Tirmidhi that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam never had a ring initially. However, he later found out that the non-Arab kings would not attach importance to any correspondence received until it contained a stamp/seal. When Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam began corresponding with non-Arab kings in the 6th year of Hijri he felt the need to acquire a ring (in order to fulfil this function of stamping letters with an official seal), and hence acquired one.
This brings us to the conclusion that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam only acquired a ring due to need. It is on this basis that the Hanafi scholars state that it is Sunnat for a Muslim judge or ruler to wear a ring. Together with these two, wearing a ring is Sunnat for any other person that has a need to wear a ring. As for those individuals that don’t have a need (for a ring), although they are fundamentally permitted to wear a ring, it is better for them not to wear one.
The discussion can be summed up as follows (with regards to rings for males): –
The Fuqahaa (Jurists) and Muhadditheen (Scholars of Hadeeth) state that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam wore the ring out of necessity (to stamp letters).
Therefore, this Sunnah is for one who would have some necessity in wearing a ring (e.g., Khalifa /Ruler). As for those who do not have any need for it, it would be merely permissible to wear it. However, the permissibility revolves around the following factors: –
1. It must be a silver ring.
2. The silver must be less than one Mithqaal (4.37g)
3. It must not be a ring known to be worn by women.
4. The Niyyah (intention) must be good and not corrupt e.g. showing off, imitating a fashion, etc.
Although it is permissible to wear it on the right hand, it will be better to wear the ring on the left hand and it should be worn on the little finger. If the ring has a stone with it then the stone should be facing the inner part of the palm.[1]
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
(Mufti) Abdushakoor Salim
30th Jumaad Ukhra 1446
2nd December 2024
Checked and approved by:
(Mufti) Muhammad Irshad Motara
[1] Darul Ifta Archives