19th August 2025
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
Question: What is the Islamic ruling on the bride and groom exchanging wedding rings on their wedding day. I’ve heard some say it is not permissible due to imitation of non-believers whilst others allow it due to ‘Urf (social custom). Please provide detailed evidence on this.
الجواب حامداً و مصلياً
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
Concerning your enquiry, the tradition of exchanging wedding rings began in Ancient Egypt to symbolise eternity, was later adopted by the Romans as a legal marriage sign and became part of Christian ceremonies by the 9th century.[1] This custom eventually became a symbolic gesture of marriage.
In principle, gifting a ring to one’s spouse is permissible, as gifting is encouraged in Islam and supported by Hadith. Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik radhiyallahu anhu relates that the Messenger of Allāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Give gifts to one another, and you will love each other; hate one another and you will spoil your relations; and marry one another and you will increase in wealth.” It is reported in another narration that the Messenger of Allāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Gifting removes hatred and envy.” [2]
Furthermore, there is a narration that a man who had no wealth was instructed by the Prophet to offer something as a mahr, even if it be an iron ring.[3] This indicates the permissibility of giving a ring as part of a marriage. Although in that narration it was given as mahr and not as part of a ceremonial exchange or symbol (such as exchanging rings), it nevertheless highlights its neutral status.
A man may wear a silver ring, provided it does not exceed one mithqaal in weight (approximately 4.37 grams). Gold rings are strictly prohibited for men. However, women may wear rings made from gold or silver without restriction. If a ring is exchanged simply as a gift or expression of affection, without the belief without treating it as an integral part of a marriage ceremony or any religious symbolism, it is considered permissible in some interpretations. The practice of dedicating a formal ceremony to exchange rings in the presence of a mixed gathering is highly discouraged and should be avoided due to ostentation and concerns about imitating customs alien to Islam and could be viewed differently depending on the context.[4] Moreover, Muslims should not to attach excessive importance to this practice either, rather treat it as exchange of gifts.
[Allāh Knows Best]
Written by: Apa Sumayya Qazi Reviewed by: Mufti Abdul Waheed
Attested by: Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam
JKN Fatawa Department
https://www.worldhistory.org/Wedding_Ring/
https://www.theknot.com/content/history-of-wedding-rings
https://academic.oup.com/jsh/article-abstract/32/2/335/962252
https://oxfordre.com/religion/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.001.0001/acrefore-9780199340378-e-661
[2] Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitāb al-Hibāh (The Book of Gifts), Hadith 2588:
عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: «تَهَادَوْا تَحَابُّوا، وَتَبَاغَدُوا تَفْسُدُوا، وَتَصَاهَرُوا تَرْزَقُوا
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Hibāh, Hadith 6136
عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: «إِنَّ الْمُهَادَةَ تُزِيلُ الْبَغْضَ وَالْحِقْدَ
[3] Ṣaḥīḥ al‑Bukhārī, Book of Nikāḥ, Chapter 51, Hadith no. 5149.
إِنِّي لَفِي الْقَوْمِ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ … فَقَالَ: { اذْهَبْ فَاطْلُبْ وَلَوْ خَاتَمًا مِنْ حَدِيدٍ }. فَذَهَبَ … فَقَالَ: مَا وَجَدْتُ شَيْئًا وَلَا خَاتَمًا مِنْ حَدِيدٍ.”
[4] Fatawa Hindiyyah, Vol 1, pg 276
وأما تقليد الإنسان المسلم واتباعه لعادات غير المسلمين وتقاليدهم**: فإنما يُحرّم إذا كان مخالفًا لأحكام الشرع، أو كانوا مختصّين به لأجل كونهم غير مسلمين وقصد به المسلم تقليدًا لهم من هذا الوجه.
> أما لو رأى في ذلك شيئًا يعجبه من جهة الحضارة أو التتمدّن أو الأخلاق، أو غير ذلك مما لا يَخالف الشريعة، فإنه له أن يفعله ولا حرج عليه في ذلك، وليس ذلك من التشبه المحرّم في شيء.
— من “تقليد المسلمين لعادات غير المسلمين وموقف الشرع من ذلك”