Date : 13-07-2010

Question :

I wear an engagement ring made of silver. Is it permissible for a man to wear a silver ring? Moreover, is it valid to make Wudu` while wearing it?


The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.



It is permissible for both man and woman to wear silver rings. Upon conclusion of marriage contract, the man usually wears a silver ring on which he engraves his name or that of his bride.



Imam An-Nawawi says: "It is permissible for the man to wear a silver ring in his right little finger and he could also wear it in his left little finger if he wants to. This is because there are sound narrations indicating that the Prophet (PBUH) did both. However, the well-known narration indicates that it is better to wear it in the right little finger because the ring is an item of adornment and the right hand is more honorable. It is also permissible to engrave the name of Allah on it because Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn 'Umar said: "The inscription on the ring of the Messenger of Allah [SAW] was Muhammad Rasul Allah (Muhammad the Messenger of Allah)."



According to Shafie scholars, this isn`t disliked. Our fellow scholars and others said: "He is also allowed to engrave his name on it or a word of wisdom." The Muslim nation is agreed that the Sunnah is that the man wears it in his little finger. 'Ali reported: "Allah's Messenger (PBUH) forbade me that I should wear a ring in this and that finger of mine, and he pointed to the middle finger and the next one." {Related by Muslim}." {Al-Majmou`, vol./pp.340}.



In addition, it is recommended to turn the ring around while making Wudu`or Ghusl (Ritual bath) to allow the water to reach the skin underneath the ring and if it prevents the water from reaching the skin then it should be removed to achieve that. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.