Is Wearing Gold Permissible for Men? (Hadith & Scholarly Consensus)

Learn the Islamic ruling on men wearing gold based on authentic hadith and scholarly consensus. Gold jewelry, rings, and watches are not allowed for men in Islam.

All perfect praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His slave and Messenger.

Islam has clearly prohibited men from wearing gold in any form. This includes gold rings, gold watches, chains, bracelets, or any ornament made of gold or primarily gold-based materials.

The prohibition is based on authentic prophetic narrations and the understanding of the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah.

1. Evidence from the Sunnah

ʿAli ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ took silk in his right hand and gold in his left, then said:

“These two are forbidden for the males of my Ummah and permitted for its females.”

Sunan Abu Dawud 4057, Sunan an-Nasa’i 5144, Sunan Ibn Majah 3595 — authenticated by Al-Albani

This clear statement establishes the prohibition of gold for men without exception.

2. Scholarly consensus on gold for men

The scholars of Islam have transmitted a consensus that gold is haram for men.

Imam an-Nawawi (رحمه الله) said:

“Gold rings are haram for men according to scholarly consensus.”

Sharh Sahih Muslim, 14/32

This consensus includes all forms of gold used as adornment by men.

3. Ruling on gold watches and accessories

Modern forms of jewelry such as watches, chains, pens, or accessories made of gold fall under the same ruling.

The Permanent Committee for Fatwa stated:

“If the watch or its strap is made of gold, it is not permissible for men to wear it.”

Fatawa al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah, 24/63

Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymin (رحمه الله) said:

“Gold-plated watches are haram for men because the Prophet ﷺ forbade gold for the males of his Ummah.”

Majmu‘ Fatawa Ibn ʿUthaymin, 11/62

4. Is any form of gold allowed for men?

All forms of gold used for adornment are prohibited for men, regardless of quantity or type of jewelry.

However, men are allowed to wear silver rings, as the Prophet ﷺ himself wore a silver ring.

5. Making, selling, or repairing gold items

Islam also forbids assisting in what is haram when it is known that it will be used in disobedience.

“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and transgression.”

Quran, Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:2

Therefore, making, repairing, or selling gold items specifically intended for men’s use as adornment is not permissible.

6. Conclusion

It is not permissible for men in Islam to wear gold in any form. This ruling is established through authentic hadith, scholarly consensus, and the understanding of the early generations of Muslims.

A Muslim man should avoid gold ornaments and instead use what is permissible, such as silver or other lawful materials, while maintaining humility and avoiding extravagance.

And Allah knows best.