Men Wearing Rings

It is recorded in the commentary of Shamaail-e-Tirmidhi that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam never had a ring initially. However, he later found out that the non-Arab kings would not attach importance to any correspondence  received until it contained a stamp/seal. When Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam began corresponding with non-Arab kings in the 6th year of Hijri he felt the need to acquire a ring (in order to fulfil this function of stamping letters with an official seal), and hence acquired one.

This brings us to the conclusion that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam only acquired a ring due to need. It is on this basis that the Hanafi scholars state that it is Sunnat for a Muslim judge or ruler to wear a ring. Together with these two, wearing a ring is Sunnat for any other person that has a need to wear a ring. As for those individuals that don’t have a need (for a ring), although they are fundamentally permitted to wear a ring, it is better for them not to wear one.

There are narrations that state that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam would wear a ring on the right hand. However, there are other narrations that state that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam wore the ring on his left hand. Due to both types of narrations, it would be permissible to wear it on either hand, and it remains a matter of preference. Ulema of the Shafi’ee Mazh-hab give preference to wearing it on the right hand whilst Ulema of the Hanafi Mazh-hab say that it is better to wear it on the left hand. Both groups of Ulema state that the ring should be worn on the little finger, as some narrations do mention that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam wore the ring on his little finger. 

The discussion can be summed up as follows:-

The Fuqahaa (Jurists) and Muhadditheen (Scholars of Hadeeth) state that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam wore the ring out of necessity (to stamp letters). Therefore this Sunnah is for one who would have some necessity in wearing a ring (e.g. Khalifa /Ruler). As for those who do not have any need for it, it would be merely permissible to wear it. However, the permissibility revolves around the following factors:-

1. It must be a silver ring.
2. The silver must be less than one Mithqaal (4.37g)
3. It must not be a ring known to be worn by women.
4. The Niyyah (intention) must be good and not corrupt e.g. showing off, imitating a fashion, etc.

Although it is permissible to wear it on the right hand, it will be better to wear the ring on the left hand and it should be worn on the little finger. If the ring has a stone with it then the stone should be facing the inner part of the palm.