A ring is one of the most common and beautiful ornaments created by humans, which has been widely used since ancient times. In addition to beautifying the hand, rings sometimes have spiritual benefits and effects as well.
What Are the Benefits of a Silver Ring?
In Iran, one of the primary uses of silver is in the creation of jewelry such as silver rings, necklaces, pendants, etc. However, among jewelry, rings are considered one of the most symbolic types of ornaments, as some of these rings are used as wedding bands, while others are family heirlooms passed down from figures like parents.
Therefore, rings, regardless of the material they are made from, can have high spiritual value. Silver is one of the precious and valuable metals that, due to its shiny appearance, white color, and light weight, has a wide following around the world, much like gold. Other uses of silver include the creation of decorative objects, medals, coins, mirrors, etc.
The most common type of ring typically used by both men and women is a ring with a silver band and a different gemstone. This means that the band of the ring is made of the shiny and beautiful metal silver, while the stone setting features gems like agate, emerald, ruby, hematite, or turquoise.
The Ruling on Using a Silver Ring for Men and Women
From an Islamic perspective, wearing ornaments such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets made of silver is not prohibited, and thus, wearing such items does not invalidate prayer. Unlike gold, which is forbidden for men and invalidates their prayer.
The Prophet (PBUH) and the Imams also used silver and considered the use of other metals, especially iron, for adornment to be disliked.
Imam Ali (AS) says: "Do not wear anything other than a silver ring on your hands. Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: 'A hand that wears an iron ring is impure.'"
One day, the Prophet (PBUH) saw a man with an iron ring on his finger and said to him: "This ring is the ornament of the people of Hell. Remove it."
The man removed the ring and asked: "O Messenger of Allah, should I not wear any other ring?" The Prophet (PBUH) replied: "No, you may. If you want, wear a silver ring, and it is not necessary for it to weigh more than a mithqal."
Regarding the prohibition of wearing iron rings, Imam Ali (AS) also says: "Do not put iron rings on your children's hands!"
Other narrations also prohibit adornment with items made of brass or copper.
Based on these narrations, wearing counterfeit jewelry, which is now common and often made of iron coated with gold or silver, is disliked and also harmful to health.
Etiquette of Wearing a Ring
In the narrations about silver rings, if the stone in the ring is one of the following—emerald, Zamzam stone, agate, ruby, turquoise, crystal, Yemeni jasper, Chinese hematite, or a stone from Najaf—it is recommended to wear them. Also, wearing a ring on the left hand is disliked; it is preferred to wear it on the right hand. It is also recommended to place it on the little finger or the adjacent finger. Wearing the ring on the index or middle finger is disliked.
It is recommended to inscribe verses from the Quran or inscriptions used by the Imams on the ring. In contrast, drawing pictures of animals is considered disliked. The Prophet and his household used to inscribe the following on their rings:
The Prophet (PBUH): "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"
Imam Ali (AS): "The Kingdom belongs to Allah"
Imam Hasan (AS): "Honor belongs to Allah"
Imam Husayn (AS): "Indeed, Allah's command is perfect"
Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (AS): "The murderer of Husayn ibn Ali (AS) will be humiliated and wretched"
Other etiquettes regarding wearing a silver ring include the following: A ring with the names of Allah or the Imams on it must be removed during istinja (purification after relieving oneself). During ablution (wudu), the ring should be rotated to ensure water reaches beneath it. Marking the ring to remember tasks is disliked unless it is used for counting prayer units (rak'ahs).
Benefits of a Silver Ring
One of the primary benefits of silver is its ability to regulate blood circulation. Therefore, it is recommended for people with high blood pressure to wear a silver ring. It is especially recommended for men as it helps prevent nervous stress and aggression. Many medical treatments for such conditions also contain silver. Another benefit of silver is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. By wearing a silver ring, you can regulate your metabolism, leading to overall body relaxation.
The color change in silver during use is also an indicator of certain body disorders, which is another benefit of silver. If the silver becomes dull or dark, it suggests that the person has an issue with their endocrine system. On the other hand, if the silver becomes unusually bright after use, it may indicate a serious kidney disorder, as perspiration releases nitrogen-containing substances in the body, which react with silver, making it shine.
Additionally, it is said that silver eliminates 650 types of bacteria, and since it is one of the few metals that does not cause allergies, it has a wide range of uses.
