Conformity to customary practice in matters that are not forbidden is sunnah, because departing from custom makes something a mark of ostentation, and the Prophet ﷺ forbade ostentatious dress. (1) Thus, whatever departs from customary practice is prohibited.

Accordingly, we ask: Is it sunnah for a person to wear a turban and an izār and ridā’?

The answer is: If we are in a land where people do this, then it is sunnah; but if we are in a land where they neither recognize nor are accustomed to it, then it is not sunnah.

Second: On which finger should a ring be worn: the little finger, the ring finger, the index finger, the thumb, or the middle finger?

The answer is: The little finger is preferable, followed by the ring finger.

With regard to wearing a ring, the jurists divide the fingers into three categories: one category is recommended—the little finger; another is disliked—the index and middle fingers; and a third is permissible—the thumb and ring finger. Some scholars have included the thumb with the index and middle fingers.

Third: Is it sunnah to wear a ring on the left hand or the right?

The answer is: Imam Ahmad said: “The left hand is preferable, because this is authentically established, whereas the hadiths reporting that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ wore his ring on the right hand are weak.” (2)