Does the Prohibition of Displaying Adornment Before Non-Mahram Men Include Wedding Rings and Other Rings?
Question: it is my understanding that jewelry like bracelets, necklaces and earrings (they shouldnt be showing anyway) infront of non mahrams is not allowed, however does that include wedding rings? And rings in general.
Summary:
Yes, a wedding ring and rings in general are forms of adornment with which a woman beautifies herself, so it is not permissible for her to display them to non-mahram men, because they fall under the general prohibition of displaying adornment. There is no difference between a wedding ring and any other ring in this regard. All of them are jewelry and adornment that a woman is legislated to conceal from non-mahrams.
Answer:
In the name of Allah, all praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
From the Qur'an:
- [Surah al-Nur 24:31]
"And not display their adornment except that which ordinarily appears thereof."
- [Surah al-Nur 24:31]
"And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they conceal of their adornment."
These two verses demonstrate the concern of the Shariah for concealing a woman's adornment and preventing it from being displayed before non-mahram men. Allah even prohibited an action that could lead to knowledge of concealed adornment, so how then about displaying the adornment itself? There is no doubt that a ring is a form of adornment. In fact, a number of the Quran commentators explicitly stated that jewelry of all types is included in the adornment mentioned in the verse, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. A wedding ring has no special ruling that removes it from being considered adornment. The fact that it signifies marriage or that it has become customary to wear it does not change its Islamic ruling. Rather, it remains jewelry with which a woman beautifies herself. Therefore, a woman is commanded to conceal her adornment from non-mahram men, and this includes a wedding ring and all other rings, whether they are made of gold, silver, or other materials, and whether they are simple or ornate. The matter becomes even more emphatic if the ring attracts attention or draws the gaze of others. Important Note: A number of contemporary scholars have mentioned that the custom of exchanging wedding rings, or what is known as the engagement ring and wedding ring, originates from the customs of non-Muslims. A Muslim should not believe that it possesses any special religious significance or any effect in preserving love or maintaining a marriage.
From the Scholars:
- Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymin رحمه الله said:
"If wearing a wedding ring is accompanied by the belief that it is a cause of love or the continuation of the relationship, then this is a false belief. As for wearing it merely as a ring without such a belief, then the basic principle is that it falls under customs. However, consideration remains regarding the issue of imitation if it is a distinctive symbol of the non-Muslims."
- Other scholars said:
"The well-known wedding ring originated from a foreign custom, and one should not believe the false meanings that some people attach to it."
- Shaykh al-Albani رحمه الله said:
"The engagement ring is a foreign innovation unrelated to Islam. If it is accompanied by the belief that it binds the spouses together or preserves affection between them, then this is a corrupt belief."
Shaykh al-Albani also emphasized that marriage in Islam does not require a special symbol such as a ring. Rather, its symbol is the valid Islamic marriage contract and the public announcement of the marriage.
- Imam Ibn Kathir رحمه الله said regarding Allah's statement ("And not display their adornment"):
"Meaning: they should not show any of their adornment to non-mahram men except that which cannot be concealed."
Final Answer: What is known as a wedding ring or wedding band is not among the symbols of marriage in Islam, nor is it from the guidance of the righteous Salaf. This custom originated from non-Muslims and spread among some Muslims through imitation and following others. It is not permissible to believe that a wedding ring has any effect upon love, the continuation of married life, or the preservation of the relationship between spouses, for hearts are in the Hand of Allah alone. Muslims should beware of imitating non-Muslims in their customs and distinctive symbols. A woman must conceal her adornment from non-mahram men, whether it is a wedding ring, another type of ring, bracelets, necklaces, or any other jewelry, in compliance with Allah's command to preserve and conceal adornment from those who are not mahrams. It is preferable to abandon this custom altogether and adhere to the guidance and manners of Islam, for honor and salvation lie in following the Sunnah, while all evil lies in imitating those who oppose it and following their customs.
And Allah knows best.
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