Ibn Bazz: Prohibition of using utensils made of gold and silver

( Part No : 6, Page No: 378) 

Prohibition of using utensils made of gold and silver 

Q: This letter is sent by `Abdul­Rahman from Riyadh in which he says: Nowadays, the use of gold and silver utensils has become widespread, especially among people who are well­off. The matter has gone so far that some of them even buy sets of sanitary equipment such as bathroom taps and fixtures all made of pure gold, and they do not pay Zakah (obligatory charity) on this gold or pay any attention to its value. It is known that this is forbidden. What is the view of Your Eminence on this matter? Is it possible to forbid the sale of such things to Muslims who are unaware of the ruling? May Allah bless you! 

A : Utensils that are made of gold and silver are forbidden according to the religious texts and the Ijma' (consensus) of scholars. It is authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, Do not drink in silver or golden vessels, and do not eat in plates of such metals, for such things are for them (disbelievers) in this worldly life and for you in the Hereafter. (Agreed upon by Al­Bukhari and Muslimfrom the Hadith narrated on the authority of Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him)). He (peace be upon him) also said, Whoever drinks in gold and silver utensils is only filling his abdomen with Hellfire. (Agreed upon by Al­Bukhari and Muslimfrom the Hadith narrated on the authority of Um Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her). This is the wording of Muslim). 

It is not permissible to use gold and silver as utensils, whether for eating or drinking. The same applies to things used for Wudu' (ablution) and Ghusl (ritual bath following major ritual impurity). All that is Haram (prohibited) according to the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). 

These things should not be sold so that Muslims will not use them. Allah (Exalted be He) has forbidden us to use them so they should not be used for drinking, eating, or any other purpose. It is not permissible to use them as spoons, coffee cups or teacups; all of that is forbidden, because these are kinds of utensils. 

So, a Muslim should avoid that which Allah (Exalted be He) has forbidden and keep away from extravagance and wasting wealth. If he has ample wealth, then there are poor people to whom he can give charity and there are Mujahids (persons fighting in the Cause of Allah) to whom he can donate. He should give in charity, not fool about with his wealth. 

( Part No : 6, Page No: 379) 

Money has legal ways to be spent and there are needy people who are entitled to receive it [in charity]. So, a believer must dispose of his wealth in charitable ways, such as giving to the poor and needy, in building and maintaining Masjids (Mosques) and schools, repairing roads and bridges, helping the Mujahids and poor migrants, and other ways, such as paying off the debts of poor people, and helping those who cannot afford to get married to do so. These are all good things on which we are encouraged to spend. 

As for wasting wealth by buying utensils, spoons, cups, or bathroom fixtures of gold and silver and the like, all of that is Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) and we should avoid that and warn others against it. Whoever has a position of responsibility in countries where such things are done, such as scholars and rulers, should denounce that and prevent the extravagant from indulging in such things. And Allah is the One Whose Help is sought.