[Bruno]

Originally Posted by Anders

9th century woman found buried with a ring that says "for Allah" on it.

Were there muslims living in Sweden in the 9th century? Obviously not many, but still...

Originally Posted by Anders

The thing is, the ring showed little or no sign of wear and tear so it's probable that it hadn't passed through many hands before the woman got it. That's why they think it was bought from the craftsman, not taken in a raid.

Originally Posted by jason taylor

Perhaps a thrall or two. Or a trader that couldn't get back or preferred to marry locally. Sweden was after all at the North end of the river routes and both were cultures that roved about a lot in those days.

The vikings traveled at least as far as the Mediterranean as traders, which easily brings them in contact with people who trade with Muslims, and possibly directly in contact with Muslims.

Just because someone is wearing an item with religious messaging on it, doesn't mean that person shares that faith, or can even read it. Consider the number of people who get tattoos of Chinese characters [1] without being able to read Chinese, or wear jewelery with same. Presuming whoever traded for it even recognized it as writing, rather than abstract decoration, they may have had a confused understanding of the meaning, or not even cared. Writing can be pretty just for being writing, and stuff from far away tends to have more value simply for being far away.

[1] Or even Alleged Chinese Characters that turn out to be entirely nonsense.