𝗠𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (65)

What types of jewelery are permissible for a man to wear? Sheikh ’Uthaymeen raḥimahullāh said: First, a man should not pursue adornment or place himself in the position of a woman, making his primary concern the beautification of his appearance. This is from the matters specific to women. Allāh, the Exalted, says: “And when one of them is given glad tidings of that which he sets up as a likeness to the Most Merciful, his face becomes darkened and he suppresses grief. Is one who is brought up in adornment and who, in dispute, is not clear in argument?”... The one who is brought up in adornment and is not clear in argument refers to the woman, whereas the one who is not brought up in adornment and is clear in argument is the man. Therefore, it is not appropriate for a man to lower himself to the status of a female by nurturing himself upon adornment. For this reason, it has been forbidden for a man to wear gold, whether it be a necklace, a bracelet, or a ring, because the Prophet ﷺ said regarding gold and silk: “They are lawful for the females of my nation and forbidden for its males.” Women, on the other hand, are permitted to wear gold in all forms that are customary, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other types of jewelery commonly worn. As for that which is not customarily worn due to being excessive, extravagance is not permissible in clothing, food, drink, or anything else, as Allāh تعالى says: “And do not be extravagant; indeed, He does not love the extravagant.” As for a man wearing a silver ring, this is permissible and there is no harm in it, because it has been authentically established that the Prophet ﷺ wore a ring made of wariq (i.e., silver). Presenter: And what about a ring made of iron? Sheikh: The scholars have differed regarding an iron ring. Some have disliked it, while others have permitted it. I believe that some scholars even held it to be prohibited, because the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that it is among the adornments of the people of Hell, and such a description would indicate prohibition. However, the scholars differed concerning the authenticity of this narration; some held it to be weak due to its contradiction with the authentic hadith of Sahl ibn Sa‘d, reported in both Ṣaḥīḥ collections, in which the Prophet ﷺ said to the man who wished to marry the woman who had offered herself to the Prophet ﷺ and whom he did not marry: “Seek (a mahr), even if only a ring made of iron.” This indicates that an iron ring is permissible. Therefore, whoever avoids it (out of piety), that is better, as other metals suffice in its place. Yes—may Allāh bless you.