Q: I had a discussion with some of my colleagues on the matter of men wearing articles of clothing that include gold such as rings, watch straps, garment pins, and so on. Some considered the foregoing Haram (prohibited) while some others considered it Halal (lawful) and justified their opinion by saying that wearing the gold items mentioned above is the same as fitting gold teeth which is a widespread practice that people normally regard as Halal. We have, thus, become confused! Please give us a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) regarding this issue. May Allah reward you with all the best for your support to us and the great services you provide for Muslims!

A: Using gold is Haram for men whether it is in the form of a ring, a watch strap, a garment pin, or a tooth, and so on. Amongst the proofs for the foregoing is the Hadith which was narrated by Al-Bara' ibn `Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has ordered us to do seven (things) and has forbidden us from seven (things). He (peace be upon him) has forbidden us from wearing gold rings, drinking in silver (utensils)... (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Also, it was related by (Part No. 24; Page No. 56)  Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhy, and Al-Nasa'y on the authority of Abu Musa Al-Ash`ary that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Gold and silk are permitted for the females of my Ummah (nation based on one creed) but prohibited for its males." Furthermore, on the authority of Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying: "Do not drink in silver or gold vessels, and do not eat in plates made of such metals, for they are for them (disbelievers) in this worldly life and for you in the Hereafter." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Finally, it is related in Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith of Muslim on the authority of Um Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Anyone who drinks in utensils made of silver or gold is only filling their abdomen with the fire of Hell." However, it is permissible in case of necessity to use a gold tooth or nose and so on, as long as no other material is fit for the purpose. Conversely, using other gold items, such as rings, garment pins, watches, watch straps, pens, and so on, is not permissible for men as there is no necessity to do so.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.