Introduction
Imam Ahmad-El Mastoor (AS) in his kitab Ikhwan-Us-Safa has described the ruby as the most afdzal of all gems. It acquired this sharaf because it is believed to be the only gem that confessed its love (walayat) for the ahlebait.
Properties
In Arabic it is called 'yaaqut', in Urdu 'laal' and in Hindi 'manek'. This gemstone is composed of Aluminium Oxide-'corundum'. It's colour varies from deep cochineal to pale rose red, sometimes with a tinge of purple. The most valued and highly priced are the pigeon blood red rubies found in upper Myanmar(Burma) and are called 'mogok' rubies. Those from Thailand are more brownish in colour while those from Sri Lanka tends towards violet. The value of the ruby depends on its colour, clarity and cut. Impurities, flaws and reduced radiance in a ruby decreases its value.
Imam Ahmad-El Mastoor has noted that the ruby is a very hard stone and even hitting it with a hammer will not break it. Genuine rubies could only be cut by a diamond. Fire or intense heat will not melt or break it. On the contrary its colour and beauty intensifies. A real ruby can be detected with a Chealsea colour filter found in optician shops. If the rays penetrate the filter, the stone is fake. Genuine ruby's rays increase in intensity when cleaned with tamarind water and its colour improves when olive oil is applied and wiped off with a flannel cloth. To maintain its beauty and colour, it should be protected from perspiration, foul smell and smoke.
Tasir
The ruby has many 'tasir' (effects and benefits) to the person using it. The namaaz of the one wearing it is multiplied 70 times. It is also considered a good omen during weddings and engagement ceremonies because a genuine 'yaaqut' enhances love, friendship and faithfulness. It also increases power, strength and beauty. In addition it also enhances the prestige and position of life. Besides improving a persons livelihood, married life, inner strength, happines and 'sukoon' it also eliminates distress, dependence and despair. The ruby aids in weakening and elimination of the enemy.
Medicinal Value
Ruby is also believed to possess medicinal value according to 'hakims' (traditional medicine practitioners). Just by gazing at it, the 'noor' (brightness) of the eyes is enhanced and eyesight is improved with a 'surma' made of ruby. A ruby worn around the neck of a child protects it from diseases and if worn around the waist of an expectant mother prevents accidental abortion. The likelihood of after effects of drowning and being hit by lightning are reduced.
Spiritual Hikmat
According to a 'hadis' of Rasulullah (SAW) the 'yaaqut' has two values to it. The 'yaaqut safra' (yellow) is himself while the 'yaaqut ahmar' (red) is Maulana Ali(AS). While in another 'hadis' the Allah's messenger refers to a moomin as a red ruby found in treasures of kings. Aqa Maula too, refers to moomineeen as the rubies of the treasures of Imamuzzaman hence signifying the loftiness of our dignity and prestige in life.
By performing our 'aamaal' (deeds) according to the Mohammadi Shariat, let us become the precious rubies of the Fatemi Dawaat and serve Aqa Maula in the course of our lifetime.