Q 9: What is
the ruling on wearing an engagement or wedding ring
by both the bride and the groom? The married couple usually wears rings on which the spouse’s name and the engagement date are engraved. Is this a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) or does it have some origin in Islam? Does the saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to one of his Sahabah (Companions):
Seek anything (for her), even if it is only an iron ring
denote the permissibility of wearing a wedding ring.
(Part No. 19; Page No. 147)
A: Firstly,
what you have mentioned about engaged or married couples wearing rings in the manner described has no origin in Islam. In fact, it is a Bid‘ah introduced by some ignorant Muslims with weak faith, who mimic the customs of Kafirs (non-Muslims). This act is prohibited, as it involves imitation of the Kafirs and the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against this.
Secondly,
the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he stated:
Seek anything (for her), even if it is only an iron ring
do not support the permissibility of wearing a wedding ring. Rather, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was urging this Sahaby (Companion) to try to bring something to give to his future bride as a Mahr (mandatory gift to a bride from her groom). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.