While Hudhaita was at Mada'in, he asked for water. The chief of the village brought him a silver vessel. Hudhaifa threw it away and said, "I have thrown it away because I told him not to use it, but he has not stopped using it. The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade us to wear clothes of silk or Dibaj, and to drink in gold or silver utensils, and said, 'These things are for them (unbelievers) in this world and for you (Muslims) in the Hereafter.' "
Hadith Commentary: The Prohibition of Gold and Silver Vessels
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (5632) in the Book of Drinks contains profound legal and spiritual wisdom. The Prophet's prohibition against using gold and silver vessels for eating and drinking is established through multiple authentic chains of transmission.
Legal Ruling (Hukm) and Wisdom
The prohibition applies to all vessels made substantially of gold or silver, whether for drinking, eating, or other mundane uses. This ruling falls under the category of haram (forbidden) by scholarly consensus.
The wisdom behind this prohibition includes: preventing extravagance and ostentation, cultivating humility, distinguishing Muslim practice from that of non-believers, and preserving wealth for beneficial purposes rather than luxury items.
Companion's Strict Adherence
Hudhaifa ibn al-Yaman's immediate rejection of the silver vessel demonstrates the Companions' meticulous adherence to Prophetic teachings. His explanation shows this was not a personal preference but based on clear previous instruction.
Eschatological Dimension
The Prophet's statement "These things are for them in this world and for you in the Hereafter" provides profound spiritual perspective. It teaches Muslims to prioritize eternal rewards over temporal luxuries and consoles believers that abstaining from such pleasures in this world will be compensated with superior enjoyment in Paradise.
Contemporary Application
This prohibition extends to modern equivalents such as gold-plated or silver-plated utensils if they contain substantial precious metal. The ruling applies equally to men and women, though women are permitted to wear gold and silver as jewelry according to another established ruling.