Gemstones in Islam

Islam and gemstones: which one should I wear and why? 

Gemstones play a prominent role in Islamic thought. Allah (swt) has created a variety of different kinds of rocks, stones, and minerals. Some of these are located on mountains, under the ground, or even beneath the sea. Many Muslims toil to extract these raw materials into a gemstone that can be adorned on a ring, bracelet or as a pendant. Why are gemstones important in Islam? 

In a reliable hadith, it is reported that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to wear a silver ring with an aqeeq gemstone. Naturally, whatever the Prophet (pbuh) did was copied by his close companions, and his family also continued the legacy of wearing gemstones not only limited to the aqeeq. 

At any point in his life, the Prophet (pbuh) did not act on his own volition. It was always either instructed or endorsed by Allah (swt), and therefore gemstones are not only a means of physical adornment but also carry religious significance. 

Should I wear a gemstone? 

Wearing a gemstone is highly recommended, owing to it being a sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). 

Maintaining a good and presentable appearance has been emphasised in both Qur’an and hadith literature. In Chapter 7, Verse 32 of the Book, God (rhetorically) asks: 

“Who has forbidden the adornments and nourishment God has provided for his servants? Say, they are allowed for those who believe during the life of this world.” 

Sometimes people may think that to be a good or modest Muslim, one must not pay attention to their attire, jewellery, hair, perfume and other aspects of their appearance. This could not be further from the truth, and in fact, it is the polar opposite as emphasised by the Prophet (pbuh) on many occasions, the most clear and obvious being in the following statement: 

“Allah, most High is beautiful and He loves beauty. And He likes to see the evidence of His bounty on His servant. He loathes misery and pretending to be miserable.” 

It is the responsibility of every Muslim to inculcate the attributes of Allah (swt) into their own life, such as mercy, compassion and forbearance, but also beauty, and wearing a gemstone is one way to do this and is indeed one of the ways the Prophet (pbuh) did so. 

However, gemstones play a much larger role than being a piece of adornment in Islamic circles. Allah (swt) has blessed different gemstones with their own spiritual benefits, and sometimes even physical benefits. 

Which gemstone is right for me? 

In reality, there is no ‘right’ gemstone because they all have benefits to be taken advantage of, and it comes down to personal preference. Here are some of the most common gemstones and their features. 

Aqeeq (Agate) (عقيق)

“Everything in the heavens and on Earth glorifies Allah.” 

Thus you can imagine the benefit of wearing an aqeeq – or any gemstone for that matter – because you will constantly have something on your person that is glorifying God, which can only have a good effect on you. 

There are many other narrated benefits for the aqeeq specifically, this includes its ability to: 

• Repel poverty 
• Provide protection from every evil 
• Turn a two rakat prayer to be recorded as a 1000 rakat 
• Remove hypocrisy 
• Repel sadness and distress 
• Brighten one’s face 
• Get prayers and requests to Allah (swt) answered quicker 

To learn more, visit our blog on the importance of the aqeeq stone in Islamic thought. 

Feroza (Turquoise) (فيروز نيشابوري)

The Feroza stone gemstone is recognised for its benefit beyond Muslim circles. It is thought to help its wearer achieve help and victory with the help of God. 

In Muslim-specific traditions, the unique aspect of the Feroza is in its ability to help us physically too. This gemstone can bring a sense of peace and tranquillity through relieving 

mental health distress, general stress and tension and heal nerve problems. Furthermore, merely looking at the Feroza can help strengthen someone’s eyesight. 

With respect to its spiritual benefits, these are similar to the Aqeeq. One notable narration of the Feroza is it’s guarantee in prayers being accepted when Allah (swt) told the Prophet (pbuh): 

“Verily I am shy from a servant who raises his hand (that) has a turquoise (Feroza) ring on it and I reject his hand with disappointment.” 

Read our full article about Feroza Stone Benefits 

Hadeed e Chini (Hematite) 

You may be familiar with the term hadeed, due to an entire chapter of the Qur’an being named after it, which in itself shows how important it is. 

Whereas other gemstones have overlapping benefits, the hadeed has very unique advantages, which are to be accessed in specific scenarios and instances: 

• It will give someone confidence and help them navigate difficult meetings, such as visiting a boss or judge 
• Helps a woman manage her pain during childbirth 
• Generally can help in any difficult moment for a believer by repelling the whispers of Satan and other harms, and strengthening the insight 

It is not recommended to wear the hadeed all the time, but only when help is sought in tough moments. 

The Qur’an attests to the greatness of hadeed in Verse 25 of its namesake Chapter: 

“and we have made the iron, wherein is great military might and benefits for the people.” 

Dur-e-Najaf (حجر در النجف) (Pure Quartz)

The Dur-e-Najaf is a rare gemstone because, as the name suggests, it can only be found in Najaf, Iraq. It has a clear glass-like complexion and is formed when it rains in the city. 

Najaf is the burial place of Ali ibn Abi Talib (as), the first Imam for Shi’a Muslims, which is why this gemstone is particularly special for them. Ali (as) is also highly revered by Sunni Muslims and is fourth in line of the caliphs dear to them. 

The Dur-e-Najaf has particular benefits associated with Ali (as) and the Prophet (pbuh). It is said that the reward for merely looking at the stone is similar to looking at the Prophet (pbuh) and Ali (as), and in other reports it is mentioned that it’s like visiting the Prophet (pbuh) and Ali (as). 

The reward for just wearing it is equivalent to having performed an Umrah or Hajj. 

Zabarjad (Peridot) (حجر الزبرجد) 

The Zabarjad is an attractive gemstone that is characterised by its grass green colour, although other variations of green are possible too. 

The gemstone is not only known for its spiritual benefits but physical too. It can contribute towards the prevention of many conditions such as heart sickness, relieve digestive issues, cleanse the liver and help with a variety of skin issues. 

As for its spiritual powers, the Zabarjad has the capacity to help by improving and refining good character traits and promote generosity and kindness and be easy and light on the soul, and overall contribute towards general happiness and positive wellbeing. 

Zumurrud (Emerald) (زمرد)

The Emerald is another gemstone known to prevent and cure many physical ailments. The stone plays an influencing role on our central nervous system and helps fend off any nerve problems. It can also: 

• Prevent blood problems, such as blood clots 
• Prevent back and muscle pain 
• Promote good eyesight 
• Relieve pangs of pregnancy and childbirth 

A narration on the emerald gemstone is attributed to the Prophet (pbuh) who said it can help repel poverty. Furthermore, another narration mentions palaces in heaven being made out of emerald, so it’s the closest you can get to heaven on earth! 

Yaqoot (Ruby) (ياقوت)

The narrations about the ruby gemstone from the family of the Prophet (pbuh) are sufficient to prove the greatness and reward of adorning ourselves with it. 

Imam Ridha (as) has said: 

“Wear Yaqut stone, for it will repel from you depression and stress.” 

Furthermore, Imam Sadiq (as) said: 

“It is recommended to wear a Yaqut ring, as it has abundant reward.” 

The abundant reward(s) being spoken about are far and wide. The gemstone can help cure a variety of illnesses and conditions related to the heart, liver, blood, nervous system, digestive system and our joints. Specific illnesses it can help cure include epilepsy and migraines. 

The stone is of great benefit to married couples. It can help solve problems related to sterility and libido, and for pregnant women, make childbirth easier. 

In addition to physical health, the gemstone is also known to promote good mental wellbeing by helping establish healthy sleeping patterns and prevents nightmares and bad dreams. 

The ruby comes in many different colours. You have the option of red, yellow or blue (sapphire). 

Choosing a gemstone

Each and every gemstone has its own unique and shared characteristics. The correct gemstone is for you is simply determined by the benefits you wish to reap. 

We will perhaps never know why God has placed so much emphasis in stones, but through His mercy and compassion, they are made available for us to use and benefit from, much like everything else on the earth. 

Disclaimer: all reported benefits of gemstones have been taken from Islamic sources, however, wearing gemstones should not replace seeking medical advice and attention.