Fatwa ID: 07149

Answered by: Maulana Muhammad Altaf Hossen

Question:

What are the real origins of wedding rings? Exchanging rings? Roman/Greek history of shackles denoting slaves to each other hence a ring

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

The tradition of exchanging rings during a Muslim wedding ceremony has no specific origins within Islam itself. Instead, it is a cultural practice that has been adopted by many Muslim communities around the world. The use of wedding rings is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), which are the primary sources of guidance for Muslims.

The practice of exchanging rings in Muslim weddings is influenced by cultural customs and traditions, and it has been incorporated into Islamic wedding ceremonies over time. The ring is often seen as a symbol of commitment and love between the bride and groom, similar to how it is viewed in many other cultures.

In some Muslim-majority countries and communities, it is common for the bride and groom to exchange rings as a part of their marriage ceremony. The design and customs related to the wedding rings may vary from one region to another, reflecting local customs and traditions.

It’s important to note that while the exchange of rings is a common practice in many Muslim weddings, it is not a religious requirement in Islam. The core elements of a Muslim wedding ceremony typically include the recitation of marriage vows, the giving of a dowry (mahr) by the groom to the bride, and the signing of the marriage contract (nikah). The specific customs and traditions associated with weddings can vary widely across different Muslim cultures and regions.

Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.

Written by Maulana Muhammad Altaf Hossen

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham