SEE ALSO DO's & DONT's OF THE RING

HADITH 1

Anas bin Malik RA says: (mafhum)

"The ring of Rasulullah SAW was ,made of silver and the gem stone was from Abyssinia."


COMMENTARY

According to the majority of the Ulama it is permissible to wear a ring made made of silver. In the early stages, Rasulullah SAW did not have a ring made, until it was known that the kings of Persia and other countries did not accept or take into consideration letters that had no seal (stamp) on them. The Prophet SAW begun sending letters to the kings inviting them to Islam, and for this a seal (stamp) was made in the sixth or seventh year Hijri.

The Ulama give different opinions on the wearing of the ring. SomeUlama say that it is Makruh (offensive) for any person besides the king and judge to wear a ring. Besides them it is permissible for others, but better not to use it. The reason is evident that Rasulullah SAW only made one when it became necessary, before he began sending letters to the kings. Infact, the great Muhadditheen - Imam Abu Dawud RA, as well as other Ulama have stated that besides the kings, others are prohibited from wearing a ring.

Nevertheless, since it has been proven that many Sahabah RA wore a ring in the presence of Rasulullah SAW, and in other Ahadith that Rasulullah SAW had permitted it, this prohibition will be taken as that which is contrary to a more meritorious and desired act.


HADITH 2

Abdullah bin Umar RA says: (mafhum)

"Rasulullah SAW had a ring made of silver. He used it as a seal (stamp) on letters etc, but did not wear it."


COMMENTARY

The Prophet Muhammad SAW wore a ring as has been stated in Ahadith. The Ulama give a few explanations to the above hadith. Some have explained that it meant that he (SAW) did not wear it continuously. Some are of the opinion that Rasulullah SAW possessed two rings, one had the seal and was used to put a stamp on letters etc. and he did not wear this ring. The other ring was used for wearing. In the same manner, the Ulama have given many other explanations.

According to perhaps the greatest scholar of the twentieth century - Syaikhul Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya Khandalwi RAH - the most accepted explanation is that the Prophet SAW did not wear it always.

It is reported in Hadith that Rasulullah SAW was once performing Solah, and he (SAW) was wearing a ring on the right hand. While performing Solah, his eyes fell on the ring. After that he (SAW) stopped wearing the ring. In another Hadith, a similar incident is mentioned regarding a printed cloth. While in Solah his (SAW) sight fell on it. Hence, Rasulullah SAW removed this cloth and wore another one. Since the ring was of importance it could not be discarded completely. Therefore he (SAW) did not generally wear it. This is the most correct explanation. The ring was mostly kept by the Sahabi - Mu'ayqeeb RA.


HADITH 3

Anas bin Malik RA reports that Rasululah SAW had a ring made of silver and its (inlaid) gem was also of silver.


COMMENTARY

The above Hadith seems to contradict the one where it is mentioned that an Abyssinian stone was inlaid. Those who are of the opinion that Rasulullah SAW had two rings, say that this Hadith in context is similar to it being two rings. Imam Bayhaqi RA and others also hold the same view, and according to him there no is complication, as far as the meaning of the Hadith is concerned.

Those who are of the opinion that Rasulluah SAW had one ring, give the explanation, that by Habshi (Abyssinian) it is meant Habshi colour or Habshi style, or the maker of it was a Habshi.

The more popular explanation is that there was more than one ring, because from Hadith it has been proved that at different times Rasulullah SAW had different rings. Rasulullah SAW had a ring made for himself. His servant gave him one as a present as is evident from different narrations stated in the book of 'Jam'ul Wasaa-Il'.


HADITH 4

Anas bin Malik RA narrates:

"When Rasulullah SAW intended to write letters to the kings of 'Ajam (non arabs), inviting them to Islam, the people said that they did not accept letters without a seal (stamp) on them. Rasulullah SAW therefore had a ring made, the whiteness of which is still before my eyes."


COMMENTARY

The last sentence shows that the Sahabi - Anas RA remembers the above episode well. By whiteness - it simply means that the silver colour of the ring is referred to.


HADITH 5

Anas bin Malik RA says: (mafhum)

"The inscription engraved on the ring of Rasulullah SAW was 'Muhammad Rasullulah, of in the first line was engraved, in the second line 'Rasul, and in the third line 'Allah'."


COMMENTARY

Some Ulama have written that 'Muhammad Rasulullah' was engraved in such a manner, that the word 'Allah' was engraved on the top. This stamp was round, and was read from the bottom. The muhaqqiqeen (research scholars) write that this is not proven from any Hadith, but from the apparent words we find it was written thus:

Allah
Rasul
Muhammad