Is It Permissible to Wear Rings That Signify Asexuality and Aromanticism?

Question

Is it permissible to wear rings that signify or mean asexuality and aromanticism?

A black ring worn on the middle finger of the right hand represents asexuality (which means to lack or almost have a lack of sexual attraction), and a white ring on the middle finger of the left hand represents aromanticism (which means to lack or almost lack romantic interest to others).

Is it acceptable to wear them if one does not associate with the LGBT movement? (They may or may not wear them to find other people like them).

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to that which is pleasing to Him. Amin.

Symbolism and Imitation

If wearing those rings in that way (or any other symbol) becomes widely symbolic or representative of a sinful movement, then Muslims should avoid it. If the symbolism is not widespread, such that the symbol could be interpreted to be something lawful, then there is no problem with that.

It is prohibited to imitate disbelievers and/or corrupt people. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever imitates a people is from them.” [Abu Dawud; Ahmad]

Imitation is only considered in things specific to their disbelief or corruption, such that they are known by those things. [Ali al-Qari, Mirqat al-Mafatih]

If wearing a particular color ring on a specific finger is something exclusive to an unlawful movement, it is unlawful, but if not, it remains permissible.

Being Asexual or Aromantic

Sacred Law is not monolithic about marriage and does not prescribe marriage for everyone; it depends on their physical desire, economic circumstances, and preoccupation with religious knowledge and worship. Choosing not to marry is a decision that may well be good for some people, depending on their circumstances, but these options are enshrined within Sacred Law and traditional Islam. [Nawawi, Majmu‘]

Should Everyone Marry?

Marriage is part of the beautiful Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). While individuals may choose not to marry, Muslims should not shun, or identify as being against, the institution of marriage or heterosexuality.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Marriage is part of my Sunna (way), and whoever does not follow my Sunna has nothing to do with me. Get married, for I will boast of your great numbers before the nations. Whoever has the means, let him get married, and whoever does not, then he should fast, for it will diminish his desire.” [Ibn Maja]

Sacred Law (at the beginning of the Book on Marriage/ Kitab al-Nikah) deals with the rulings on who should get married, depending on their circumstances. [Keller, Reliance of the Traveller]

Choosing Traditional Islam as an Identity

In times of unprecedented and widespread confusion, misguidance, and evil, especially concerning matters about sexuality and gender, it is critically essential for Muslims to proudly adopt the traditional Islamic identity, with the creed of Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jama‘a, its recognized Schools of Jurisprudence, and its Orthodox Paths of Spirituality, and not modern/post-modern identities which are incongruent with traditional Islam or, at best, doubtful.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Verily, truth brings peace of mind, and falsehood sows doubt.” [Tirmidhi]

Allah knows best.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.