48/42. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 5163 — Suhaib and the Gold Ring
Concession for Gold Rings for Men
Hadith About Gold Ring: Suhaib’s Careful Reply
Sunan an-Nasai : 5163
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 5163
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ كَثِيرٍ الْحَرَّانِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ حَفْصٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى بْنُ أَعْيَنَ، عَنْ عِيسَى بْنِ يُونُسَ، عَنِ الضَّحَّاكِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ عَطَاءٍ الْخُرَاسَانِيِّ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، قَالَ قَالَ عُمَرُ لِصُهَيْبٍ مَا لِي أَرَى عَلَيْكَ خَاتَمَ الذَّهَبِ قَالَ قَدْ رَآهُ مَنْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِنْكَ فَلَمْ يَعِبْهُ . قَالَ مَنْ هُوَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم .
It was narrated that Sa'eed bin Al-Musayyab said: "Umar said to Suhaib: 'Why do I see you wearing a ring of gold?' He said: 'One who was better than you saw it and did not criticize it.' He said: 'Who was that?' He said: 'The Messenger of Allah [SAW].'"
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 5163In-book reference : Book 48, Hadith 124English translation : Vol. 6, Book 48, Hadith 5166
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 5163
This hadith about a gold ring records a short exchange between Umar and Suhaib. Umar asked why he saw Suhaib wearing a ring of gold. Suhaib replied that someone better than Umar had seen it and did not criticize it. When Umar asked who that was, Suhaib said it was the Messenger of Allah [SAW]. The wording matters. This report does not contain a long ruling, a reason, or a detailed explanation. It only tells us about Suhaib’s answer and the fact that he linked his action to what he said the Prophet [SAW] had seen. A careful explanation should not add more than the narration itself gives.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Hadith shows a question about wearing a gold ring.
- Suhaib answered by referring to what he said the Prophet had seen.
- The report is brief, so its meaning should be presented carefully.
- Questions about dress can be answered with respect and evidence.
