Q: Precious metals shops are banned from exhibiting, selling or possessing with the aim of selling the following: crafts engraved with Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) or pictures conflicting with the principles of Shari`ah (Islamic law).I would like that Your Eminence inform me about the ruling on selling, buying or (Part No. 13; Page No. 68) exhibiting:1- Crafts engraved with Allah's Glorified Name or such names as `Abdul-Rahman, `Abdullah or the like.2- Crafts symbolizing signs of the Zodiac such as Aries, Scorpio, Libra, etc engraved or three-dimensional. What is the ruling on wearing them while offering Salah (Prayer)?3- Crafts representing busts only.4- Gold coins added to some jewelry which contain a profile of a man such as George or others.5- Star of David, Cross, or any Jewish or Christian symbol.6- Men's gold rings which shop owners claim they do not sell to Muslims.Please, bear in mind that your Fatwa will help us, Trade Ministry inspectors, remove such unlawful items from gold markets In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). We ask Allah to make you among those who will lead a long life, perform good deeds, and benefit the Ummah with your knowledge.

A: First: Metals and stones may not be engraved with Ayahs and the Glorified Name of Allah, for by doing so, Ayahs are used for purposes other than what they are intended for and for fear that Ayahs as well as Allah's (Part No. 13; Page No. 69) Glorified Name may be exposed to desecration. Second: Signs of the Zodiac can be traced back to Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic time of ignorance) which a Muslim must avoid. A Muslim must avoid anything that may revive such ideas pertaining to Jahiliyyah; moreover, they are three-dimensional images of animate beings. Accordingly, jewelry may not be crafted to take such forms, which may neither be owned nor Salah be offered while wearing them. Third and fourth: Hadith prohibiting depicting animate beings are comprehensive enough to comprise all representations of animate beings including busts. Accordingly, jewelry may not be crafted in such a form. Fifth: Jewelry may not be engraved with symbols of unbelief such as a Cross, Star of David or the like. Therefore, they may not be sold or bought. Sixth: It is impermissible to sell men's gold rings to be worn by them. However, shop owners justifying doing so on the pretext that they sell them to non-Muslims is an invalid justification, for they live in a Muslim country where it is obligatory on all residents to deal in transactions deemed lawful by its glorified Shari`ah. Such a justification is equivalent to selling wine on the pretext of selling it to non-Muslims. It is a fact, men are prohibited from wearing gold rings. (Part No. 13; Page No. 70)  May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.