We can find numerous Hadiths which encourage Muslim men to wear rings with gemstones. On the basis of these Hadiths, rings with gemstones have a special importance in Islamic culture and history. Where did this tradition come from? And did our Holy Prophet (PBUH) wear rings? Here is what Islamic transcripts inform us!

Holy Prophet (PBUH) Used To Wear A Ring Made Of Silver With A Stone

It is quoted in hadith that,

Narrated by Abdullah: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) wore a gold or silver … ring and placed its stone towards the palm of his hand. The people also started wearing gold rings like it, but when the Prophet (PBUH) saw them wearing such rings, he threw away that golden ring and then wore a silver ring – (Sahih Bukhari, Book 77, Hadith 82)

Another Hadith says that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had a ring on which ‘Muhammad Rasool Allah’ was engraved.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) took a silver ring and had ‘Muhammad, the Apostle’ of Allah’ engraved on it. The Prophet then said (to us), ‘I have a silver ring with ‘Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah engraved on it, so none of you should have the same engraving on his ring.” – Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 77, Hadith 94

Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s ring had an Ethiopian stone in it.

It was narrated from Anas that the Prophet (PBUH) put on a silver ring with an Ethiopian stone (Fass), on which the inscription was: “Muhammad Rasul Allah.” – (Sunan an-Nasai, Book 48, Hadith 238)

Holy Prophet (PBUH) Used His Ring As His Seal on Letters

Holy Prophet (PBUH) usually used his ring as a seal on the letters. Another hadith says that,

Narrated by Anas: When the Prophet (PBUH) intended to write a letter to the ruler of the Byzantines, he was told that those people did not read any letter unless it was stamped with a seal. So, the Prophet (PBUH) got a silver ring– as if I were just looking at its white glitter on his hand —- and stamped on it the expression “Muhammad, Apostle of Allah” – (Sahih Bukhari, Book 56, Hadith 151)

What Is The Right Way of Wearing Rings?

There is a disagreement in all of the Islamic school of thoughts about wearing gemstones. According to Hanbali, Maliki, and Hanafi, it is better to wear rings in left hand. They provide this hadith as proof.

Anas reported that the ring of Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) was on this, and he pointed toward the little finger of his left hand – (Sahih Muslim, Book 37, Hadith 104)

On the other hand, Shafai and Shia believe to wear a ring in the right hand.

It was narrated that Hazrat Ali said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) forbade me to wear (a ring) on this finger,” and it was on the middle finger and the one next to it – (Sunan NisaiBook 48, Hadith 248)

And verily Allah knows the best!