Islamic stones
Muharram and Islamic Stones: Aqeeq, Dur-e-Najaf, Feroza and Tasbih محرم اور اسلامی پتھر
In short: During Muharram, many people in Pakistan choose a ring or tasbih in aqeeq, Dur-e-Najaf or feroza, stones that carry meaning in Muslim tradition. Aqeeq is the stone most closely tied to that tradition, and many men wear it in silver on the right hand. A stone bought then is usually for one's own worship and remembrance.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. For many Muslims in Pakistan, and for Shia Muslims above all, its first ten days are a time of mourning and remembrance of Imam Husain (AS) and his companions at Karbala, ending on Ashura, the tenth. In this period many people turn to prayer, majalis and dhikr, and some choose a ring or tasbih in a stone that carries meaning for them. This page explains those stones and traditions plainly. It offers no religious rulings; for those, please ask a scholar you trust.
- Main stones
- Aqeeq, Dur-e-Najaf, Moh-e-Najaf, Feroza
- Usual metal for men
- Silver
- Dispatch
- 1 to 2 working days
- Delivery
- About 7 working days
- Religious rulings
- Ask a scholar you trust
From the vault
Stones of Muslim tradition
AqeeqDur-e-NajafMoh-e-NajafFerozaRed AgateSulemani AgateBlack Agate
GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
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Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
A time of remembrance, not celebration
Many families avoid weddings, festivities and celebratory gifts during the early days of Muharram, and many wear black. A stone bought in this period is usually for one's own worship and remembrance rather than a present. If you are buying for someone else, a plain tasbih or a simple silver ring is the respectful choice, given quietly. Customs differ between families and communities, so follow the practice of your own household.
Aqeeq
Aqeeq (agate) is the stone most closely tied to Muslim tradition in Pakistan. There are well-known narrations about wearing aqeeq, held in particularly high regard in Shia tradition, and many men wear an aqeeq ring in silver on the right hand. Red and brownish-red stones, often called Yemeni aqeeq, are the most sought after, though black, white and yellow aqeeq are also worn. Many people have a name, prayer or verse engraved on the stone; if you want engraving, tell us on WhatsApp before ordering so we can advise.
Aqeeq is also one of the most commonly dyed and faked stones. Read our guide to spotting dyed and glass aqeeq, and our page on aqeeq for men. Browse aqeeq, red agate and Sulemani agate.
Dur-e-Najaf
Dur-e-Najaf, "the pearl of Najaf", is a clear, colourless quartz. Its name ties it to Najaf in Iraq, the city of the shrine of Imam Ali (AS), and by tradition the stone is associated with the area around the city. Many Shia Muslims cherish it, and it is often worn in silver or used in a tasbih. Because it is clear, it is easy to imitate with glass, so look for a natural stone; our post on Dur-e-Najaf: rock crystal, glass or zircon explains the tests. See also our Dur-e-Najaf page and the Dur-e-Najaf collection.
Moh-e-Najaf
Moh-e-Najaf is quartz with fine needles of rutile inside, which look like strands of hair, hence the name. It is worn for the same associations as Dur-e-Najaf. Read how the two Najaf stones differ and see the Moh-e-Najaf page.
Feroza
Feroza (turquoise) has been treasured in Muslim lands for centuries, especially the sky-blue stone of Nishapur in Iran. Many Muslims wear it in a silver ring, and there are narrations and family traditions connected with it. Feroza is soft and porous, so it needs a protective bezel and gentle care. See Feroza in Muslim tradition and our Feroza ring page.
The tasbih
For many people Muharram is a month of increased dhikr, and a good tasbih is used daily. The tasbih of Sayyida Fatima (AS), recited after salah by many Muslims, is 34 times Allahu Akbar, 33 times Alhamdulillah and 33 times SubhanAllah. Tasbihs are made in aqeeq, Dur-e-Najaf, Feroza and other stones, and many people also treasure a tasbih of turbah from Karbala, which is clay rather than stone and which we do not sell. Browse our tasbih collection and read which tasbih stone to choose.
Ring, finger and metal
In Muslim tradition men commonly wear rings in silver, as many scholars advise men against gold, and many wear their ring on the right hand. We set the stones we sell in 925 silver rings made to your size; see our stone setting service and ring size guide. For questions about which hand, which finger, or the rulings around engraving and wearing rings during prayer, ask a scholar you trust.
Timing your order
Many people like to have their ring or tasbih before the month begins. Loose stones and tasbihs are dispatched in 1 to 2 working days and take about 7 working days to arrive by insured tracked courier. A ring needs extra making time, which we confirm on WhatsApp, so order a few weeks ahead. Courier services can slow down around the Ashura holidays.
Buying a genuine stone
Every stone we sell is natural, photographed and priced on its own, with known treatments disclosed. A certificate is available on request, and independent lab testing can be arranged. With Cash on Delivery you can open the parcel and inspect it before paying. Our Islamic gemstones and spiritual gemstones pages cover these stones in more depth.
References
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