Exchanging wedding rings at a wedding is a long-standing tradition common in most countries of the world. It is accepted that rings should be made of gold - one of the most valuable precious metals, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
Surely, the question of where the tradition of wedding engagement rings comes from has more than once interested the curious minds of those getting married. Why was this particular product chosen as a symbol of fidelity and love? Which hand should I wear my wedding ring on? Why do different countries have different canons and rules and how important is it to comply with them?
On which hand do Muslims and Arabs wear a wedding ring?
- According to ancient traditions, Muslim weddings are held in a mosque. The ritual is performed by a mullah, consolidating the marriage of two loving hearts before Allah. In ancient times, newlyweds did not exchange rings. This tradition appeared only a few centuries ago.
- In countries where Islam is practiced, wedding rings are worn exclusively by women . At the same time, they decide for themselves which hand to put the jewelry on. Iranians wear rings on their left hands, while Jordanians wear rings on their right.
Is it on one hand?
On which hand do Turks and Tatars wear a wedding ring?
- In Turkey, during a wedding, jewelry is worn on the left ring finger. In addition, a guy puts a ring on the same finger for a woman when he proposes to her.
- Recently, more and more traditions have appeared in Turkey that came from the West. Therefore, some, more modern couples wear rings on the right ring finger.
- For those who do not know how Tatars wear wedding rings, further information will be relevant.
- Tatars put a “symbol of love” on the ring finger of their left hand.
Not everywhere on one
On which hand do Europeans and Germans wear a wedding ring?
- In Europe the situation is a little more complicated. In the western part of the continent, couples wear marriage jewelry on their left hand. And in European countries it is customary to extend your right hand.
- If a marriage takes place between loving hearts from different countries, they find a compromise. Most often, they adhere to the traditions of their families, absolutely not worrying that their love will disappear.
- If you are interested in the situation in specific countries, then the traditions are quite fascinating. Spaniards, Poles, Norwegians and Germans wear jewelry on their right hand in the registry office. The French, English and Irish wear wedding rings on the left.
Do Russians and Europeans wear it on the same hand?
How much should a ring weigh?
Hanafi opinion: the ring should weigh no more than 4.25 grams.
Maliki opinion: a man is allowed to wear a silver ring weighing 2.975 grams, but if it weighs more, then it is already haram.
The opinion of the Shafi'is: a certain number of grams is not established, the weight that is typical for the rings that many people usually wear is permissible, and what differs from the usual is israf. Imam Azrai said: “And it is correct that there should not be more than one mithqal.” One misqal is 4.25 grams.
The opinion of the Hanbalis: there is nothing wrong if there is one mithqal or more, since there is no definition on this matter. What is permissible is what does not go beyond custom, otherwise it is haram (see “Mawsuatu al-Fikhiyati”, No. 11/27).
On which hand do Russians wear a wedding ring?
- Since ancient times, the Slavic peoples have followed the same tradition. Newlyweds, when they got married, presented rings to each other and wore them on their right hands. This custom is quite simple to explain. A person does everything with his right hand: he crosses himself, does household chores, pays for purchases in the store and gives alms.
- Our ancestors were convinced that the right hand is dominant. Therefore, newlyweds must wear the “symbol of marriage” on it. Nowadays, a guy puts a ring on his chosen one’s right hand if he proposes marriage to her. Although earlier, engagement jewelry was not common. The groom, wanting to express his attention to his chosen one and express his intention to marry, gave the girl and her family various gifts. For economic reasons, this tradition faded into the background. Now a man just needs to present a girl with a ring to offer her “his hand and his heart.”
Gold is forbidden for men in Islam
The use of what outwardly adorns a Muslim is encouraged:
“Tell me, who forbade the ornaments of Allah (God, Lord) [everything pleasing to the eye and heart, good, graceful, refined], which He brought out for people, and the good of goods (from food)?!” (see Holy Quran, 7:32).
However, there are two things that are permitted for Muslim women but prohibited for Muslim men. These are gold jewelry and clothes made of pure silk.
The companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam 'Ali, reported: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) took [natural] silk fabric in his left hand, and gold in his right. He raised both hands and exclaimed: “These two things are forbidden for men among my followers, but permissible for women.”[1]
The following incident from the time of the Prophet Muhammad is known: “Seeing a gold ring (signet ring) on the hand of one of the companions, the Messenger of God took the ring from the man’s hand, threw it aside and said: “Some of you lean on the coal of Hell and place it on your hand."
After the Prophet Muhammad left, those present said to the man: “Take (pick up) your ring and make [other] use out of it!” He replied: “No, I swear to God! I will never take it [in my hands], because the Messenger of God (may the Almighty bless and greet him) threw it away [2].
A direct prohibition on wearing a gold ring (signet ring) by men is also present, for example, in the set of hadiths of Imam al-Bukhari[3].
Gold cufflinks, pens, watches and other similar items are defined by Islamic theologians as falling under this prohibition.
The ban on wearing gold jewelry and clothing made of pure natural silk for Muslim men corresponds in importance to the canonical ban on alcohol. And this prohibition applies to any time, especially the time of prayer.
As for wedding rings for men, silver rings are recommended for them.
Answers to questions on the topic
Is it permissible for a Muslim to wear a silver crescent moon as jewelry?
It's better not to wear it. Let your actions be the epitome of your faith.
Can men wear platinum rings? What stones are allowed?
A platinum ring is possible[4]. Stones - at your request and discretion.
Does a Muslim need to wear a ring after marriage and can he wear white gold? Faik.
There is no canonical obligation or desirability of wearing a wedding ring.
But in the realities of our time, it is extremely desirable for a man to wear a wedding ring, which protects him from the attention of strangers, being a clear and understandable sign of his marital status.
On which hand do the Chinese and Japanese wear a wedding ring?
- Slavs are often surprised when they see “symbols of love” on the left hand of residents of other countries. Asian countries have quite fascinating traditions.
- In China, the fairer sex is considered the leader in relationships. Therefore, after the wedding, she puts a ring on her right hand, and the man wears a wedding ring on his left. In Sri Lanka it's the other way around.
The choice of hand depends on traditions and religion
On which hand do Jews wear a wedding ring?
- Jews do not have a single ritual that is performed upon marriage. The fact of what faith the newlyweds belong to has an influence. If they believe in the Holy Scriptures and follow the canons of the Torah, then the newlyweds exchange wedding rings and put them on their left ring finger. If the couple corresponds to more modern traditions, then the guy and the girl decide for themselves which side to wear the jewelry.
- In ancient times, Jewish men did not wear rings because they considered it inappropriate. But the girl must wear the “symbol of marriage” on her left index finger. This only happens until the end of the marriage. Afterwards, she independently chooses which finger to put the jewelry on. In Jerusalem, during a wedding, the bride puts a wedding ring on her left middle finger.
Signs
This is how man is designed that even in accidents he sometimes looks for secret signs of fate. And it would be strange if many objects and superstitions were not associated with wedding rings - a symbol of marital ties.
It is believed that you should never give your wedding ring to anyone to try on or wear .
If such a request is made by a completely persistent person who you don’t want to offend, then you can put the ring on the table so as not to pass it from hand to hand.
The ring should be returned in the same manner - across the table, or even better - before putting it on, hold it for a while under running water or in a salt solution.
In many northern countries, there was a custom before the wedding to freeze both rings in a small amount of water: by thawing, they supposedly remember that they were once one and will always be drawn to each other.
If an unmarried bridesmaid touches a wedding ring at a wedding or slowly “privatizes” a box that has become unnecessary, she will soon be the bride at her own wedding.
It’s a personal matter for newlyweds to believe or not to believe in omens..
Fate is always merciful to those who deserve its favor. Without any signs, we can say that sincere love and marital fidelity are always rewarded with many years of a happy marriage.
Source
On which hand do divorced people wear a wedding ring?
- If a man and a woman are divorced, then they have every right to remove the wedding ring. Neither etiquette nor religious scriptures say that the “symbol of marriage” must be worn throughout life, even after divorce. A person is allowed to make his own choice.
- If you do not want to part with your wedding ring for various reasons (liking, habit or cost of jewelry), then you need to move it to your other hand. That is, if during the wedding you put the ring on your left hand, then after the divorce you need to move it to your left.
- Accordingly, if you put the wedding ring on your right hand, then after the divorce you should wear the ring on your left. In some cases, people who are divorced attach the wedding ring to a chain and hang it around their neck. This homemade pendant looks aesthetically pleasing and can be worn with any outfit.
- Some couples take the emotional component into account. After all, others may ask unnecessary questions regarding marital status. If you refuse to wear a wedding ring after a breakup, you won't have to feel awkward and explain this to others.
Should I take pictures during a divorce?
What materials can Islamic rings be made from?
Faith forbids men to wear gold. It is recommended to give preference to rings made of silver, copper, and alloys of base metals. But women are allowed to wear gold; there are no strict prohibitions here. The most orthodox couples often order a set of rings made of silver.
This is interesting!
Muslim men are very pedantic when it comes to choosing their wedding rings. There are even special regulations regarding how many grams a “correct” ring should weigh so as not to cause haram.
Is it possible to wear gold wedding rings and rings?
It should be immediately clarified that regarding gold in general, there is a prohibition in Sharia for Muslim men: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade Muslim men from wearing and wearing gold. This also applies to wedding rings. When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw that a certain Muslim man was wearing a gold wedding ring, he took it right from the man’s hand with the words “ Would anyone want to take a coal from the fire and hold it in his hand? " It is considered unacceptable for Muslim men to wear gold, but they can wear rings made of any other metal besides gold - silver or other precious metals.
As an answer to this question, the words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are also cited, who, according to the testimony of Ali ibn Abu Talib, taking a piece of gold in one hand and a piece of silk in the other, called both forbidden for the men of his ummah. The fact that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ forbade men to wear gold is confirmed by Abu Huraira. In his interpretation of the hadith from al-Baraa ibn Hajar, he mentions that there are seven prohibitions for Muslim men from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and one of such prohibitions is wearing a gold ring. And he mentioned that this ban does not apply to women.
Which ring is forbidden to wear?
It is forbidden to wear a gold ring. Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) take a piece of silk in his right hand and a piece of gold in his left hand, after which he said: “Verily this and this is forbidden.” for the men of my community” (quoted by Abu Dawud with a good isnad). Shubat narrated from Qatadat from Nazri ibn Anas from Bashiri ibn Nahik from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with them): “Truly the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade the gold ring for men.”
Ibn Hajar (may Allah be pleased with him) writes in his interpretation of the hadith of al-Barraa: “The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade us seven things, and one of these prohibitions is the wearing of a gold ring by men, but not by women.”
In the commentary to Sahih al-Muslim, the unanimous opinion of scholars states: “It is forbidden for men to wear gold and what was permitted at the beginning of Islam has been abolished.”
Ibn Hajar also says: “Gold is forbidden to a man, whether in small quantities or in large quantities” (Fathu al-Bari, no. 10/391).
On which hand do widows and widowers wear their wedding ring?
One of the most terrible situations is the loss of a loved one. Therefore, a man or woman who is widowed refuses to stop wearing a wedding ring. This is how they try to express love and respect for their loved one, especially if love, mutual respect and warmth reigned in the family.
If you still decide to wear a wedding ring after the death of your loved one, there are several options for how things might turn out:
- a woman who has lost her beloved man puts a “marriage symbol” on her left ring finger;
- The widower prefers to put his wife’s ring on a chain, and leaves his own in the same place as during the marriage.
What to do if you lost your husband
- Some widows and widowers take their deceased partner's wedding ring to church. It is believed that this gives the deceased peace in the other world.
- If you can't figure out what to do with the "marriage symbol" left behind after the death of a loved one, listen to your heart. It will definitely tell you the correct answer.
How to wear an engagement ring correctly?
- In Russia, the wedding and engagement rings are worn side by side - on the right ring finger. But this rule does not have to be followed unconditionally. A guy and a girl can cheat on him, according to the customs and traditions of their people.
- Some girls immediately after marriage wear an engagement ring on their left hand, and the wedding ring remains on their right. You can often find brides who wear both jewelry side by side. In some cases, girls prefer to constantly wear only the jewelry donated at the registry office, and store the engagement jewelry together with all other jewelry (in a box or special box). Do as you see fit.
How to wear wedding rings?
- Most people don't see the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring. And this is a big mistake. Wedding jewelry is worn by newlyweds in the registry office, but wedding jewelry is worn in church.
- The church charter states that you need to choose the right gifts for a wedding. For the bride it is better to choose items made of silver, and for the groom – from yellow metal (gold). The first option is a symbol of purity and femininity. Gold symbolizes masculinity.
- During the wedding, the couple exchanges rings three times. For the last time, they place “symbols of love” on each other’s left ring finger. Give preference to jewelry that has the words of prayer engraved on it. They should not have precious stones on them.
As desired - together or separately
As you can see, there are many different customs and traditions associated with wedding rings. Each country follows its own rituals, but in some cases they can be intertwined. Fortunately, now people have become more modern and less superstitious. Therefore, each couple has the right to decide for themselves what to do.
Interesting articles about rings:
- Is it possible to wear other people's rings?
- What to do with your engagement ring after the wedding
- Signs about rings
- How to remove a ring from your finger
- How rings on fingers influence fate
A wonderful Jewish tradition: an unusual ring for the bride - a symbol of home and fidelity
According to an ancient and very beautiful tradition, Jewish grooms put not one, but two rings on their brides! One of them is very unusual - made in the form of a fortress with towers or a house with windows and doors. This ring is a traditional Jewish wedding piece that carries great symbolic meaning and deep meaning.
Nowadays, not all Jewish families remember this wonderful custom, and only a few observe it. The amazingly beautiful rings can only be admired in a museum or an old antique shop. In some families, such a ring is treasured and passed on from generation to generation, carefully preserving the tradition and history of the family.
However, in the XIV-XV centuries, this symbol of jewelry was the most important part of the ritual for the bride and groom. And a jewel in the form of a house with carved windows and turrets certainly adorned the bride’s hand on her wedding day. The meaning of the ring is that from the moment of marriage, the newlyweds have everything in common, one house and one roof over their heads.
It also symbolized the creation of a strong and indestructible union, like this small fortress, a union that no one and nothing could destroy. It was believed that this ritual strengthens the new family and blesses it. It is believed that the shape of the ring symbolizes the Great Temple in Jerusalem, which was destroyed. After all, this is what marked the beginning of the diaspora.
Traditionally, such a ring was placed on the bride's index finger.
Due to the fact that it was very bulky and sometimes reached several centimeters in height, it was worn only once on the wedding day. After this, the ring was put into a box and carefully stored for many years, so that someday it could be passed on to inheritance. Poor families could rent such a ring and return it to the owners after the wedding.
Some wedding rings were lucky enough not only to outlive their first owners, but also to take part in dozens of wedding ceremonies from different historical eras. Such jewelry had “Keepers” who were responsible for the safety of the relic and even kept some diaries. They recorded the names of those who had the honor of using the ring in their ceremony.
These ancient rings are priceless and carry a centuries-old energy charge. The most ancient specimens are very carefully protected and stored away from prying eyes, in secret places. Those rings that could not be preserved ended up with connoisseurs of antiquities, were sold or found by archaeologists.
Often such rings were made of platinum or gold. In order to emphasize the selflessness and purity of the union of the young, they were not decorated with precious stones.
Some rings were decorated with symbolic inscriptions in Hebrew, often prayers. Modern rings have similar engravings: “Love is the source of life,” “Wherever you go, I am with you,” or “May our souls unite forever.” This Jewish tradition speaks of how carefully and reverently these people treat marriage. An unusual ring as a symbol of home and fidelity reveals one of the special values - the deep value of family.
