𝗠𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (64)

Ruling on Men Wearing Leather or Fabric Bracelets Question: What is the ruling on men wearing bracelets made of leather or fabric when they do not believe that they bring either harm or benefit? Sheikh Sa'd Khathlān ḥafidhahullāh: First: As for women wearing bracelets, there is no problem with that, because the basic principle regarding women is that it is permissible for them to wear anything that constitutes adornment. As for men, we must consider the motive behind wearing such an item. What is the motive? If a man believes that it brings benefit or repels harm, then this is not permissible and may lead to shirk. This is what the textual sources have mentioned as being prohibited, and as I have stated, it is also a means that can lead to shirk. Now, if he does not believe that it brings benefit or harm, as mentioned by the questioner, then what is his purpose in wearing it? If the purpose is medical—such as magnetic bracelets and the like—and qualified medical professionals have determined that there is a benefit in them, then there is no problem with that. However, if it is not for a medical purpose, and he says that he does not believe it brings benefit or harm, then this means he is wearing it for adornment. In that case, he is imitating women, and the Prophet ﷺ cursed men who imitate women. Therefore, it is not permissible. For this reason, you find that such a matter is not acceptable or palatable to sensible men—that a man would wear a bracelet on his wrist is something regarded as unacceptable. Accordingly, we say that it is not permissible for men to wear such bracelets except in one case only: if it is for a medical purpose and a qualified physician has advised him to do so. Other than that, a man is not permitted to wear such a bracelet. As for women, the basic principle is that they may wear bracelets for adornment or for medical purposes, but even women should not wear them based on a belief that they bring benefit or repel harm.