Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had a silver ring made for himself and it was worn by him on his hand. Afterwards it was worn by Abu Bakr, and then by `Umar, and then by `Uthman till it fell in the Aris well. (On that ring) was engraved: 'Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah."
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had a silver ring made for himself and it was worn by him on his hand. Afterwards it was worn by Abu Bakr, and then by `Umar, and then by `Uthman till it fell in the Aris well. (On that ring) was engraved: 'Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah."
Context and Significance
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (5873) in the Book of Dress establishes the permissibility of wearing silver rings for men in Islamic tradition.
The Prophet's ring served both practical and symbolic purposes - as a seal for official documents and as an emblem of Islamic leadership.
Scholarly Commentary
The chain of custody from Prophet Muhammad to the first three Rightly Guided Caliphs demonstrates the ring's significance as a symbol of legitimate authority and continuity in Islamic leadership.
The engraving "Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah" served to authenticate official correspondence, preventing forgery while proclaiming the Islamic identity.
Scholars note that the ring's loss during Uthman's caliphate marked the beginning of trials (fitnah) in the Muslim community, as mentioned in various historical sources.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes the permissibility of men wearing silver rings, while gold remains prohibited for males.
The practice of engraving one's name on a ring is permissible, though scholars caution against engraving Quranic verses if the ring will be taken into impure places.
Wearing rings on the right hand is recommended based on the Prophet's practice, though some schools permit the left hand as well.