ALBAWABA - A unique ring found on late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has evoked thoughts of Qasem Soleimani's Quds Force ring. Iranian media emphasized Raisi's ring, a present from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following his 2021 election victory, after the helicopter accident that killed him and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.
Iranian media broadcast a video on Monday showing Raisi's ring being discovered at the accident scene. The 21st Surah Yusuf verse on the ring says, "And Allah is predominant over His affair."
The collision happened as authorities returned from Khoda Afarin near the Azerbaijani border to Tabriz. A similar ring helped identify Soleimani following his killing in January 2020.
Soleimani's Yemeni agate ring was seen on his hand in early 2020 photos. Soleimani wore rings during speeches, prayers, and military events. He wore several rings, including the famed agate and Allah-inscribed ones.
Iranian media indicates that Yemeni agate rings with Quranic passages or holy names reflect the wearer's religious status and are often seen in Iranian officials' photos and speeches.
Shia Muslims have a long history of wearing diamond rings. Faith and piety are symbolized by these rings on the right little finger. Gemstones include turquoise, Chinese iron, Najaf pearl, agate, ruby, and emerald.
The abrupt death of President Raisi raises many issues regarding Iran's future leadership, notably the Supreme Leader's succession. As Raisi and Soleimani demonstrate, Iranian elites combine religious and political identities via rings.
Shias prefer agate, whereas Chinese iron and turquoise are culturally significant. Ruby is associated with health, kindness, and good social position. Many devoted men wear similar rings on their right hands to show their spiritual and social status.
