‘Ali told that the Prophet, taking some silk and putting it in his right hand, and taking some gold and putting it in his left hand, said, “These are prohibited to the male members of my people.”Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.
Hadith Commentary: Prohibition of Silk and Gold for Men
This noble hadith from the Book of Clothing in Mishkat al-Masabih (4394) contains profound legal and spiritual wisdom regarding the distinction between male and female adornment in Islamic law.
The Prophetic Demonstration
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) employed a powerful visual demonstration by holding silk in his right hand and gold in his left. This method of teaching ensures the prohibition is firmly established in the hearts and minds of the listeners.
The right hand typically signifies importance and preference in Islamic tradition, yet both substances are equally prohibited for male use, demonstrating the severity of this prohibition.
Legal Ruling and Wisdom
Scholars unanimously agree that wearing pure silk is forbidden for Muslim men, while permissible for women. This distinction preserves natural gender distinctions and prevents imitation between sexes.
Regarding gold, the prohibition extends to wearing gold jewelry and using gold vessels. The wisdom behind this prohibition includes preventing extravagance, maintaining humility, and distinguishing Muslim men from non-Muslim practices.
Exceptions and Qualifications
Jurists have noted exceptions for medical necessity, where silk may be permitted if required for treatment of skin conditions. Similarly, gold-filled teeth for medical purposes is permissible according to many scholars.
The phrase "male members of my people" specifically excludes women from this prohibition, affirming their right to adorn themselves with these materials within Islamic guidelines of modesty.
Spiritual Dimensions
This prohibition teaches Muslim men to cultivate inner beauty through piety rather than external adornment. It encourages simplicity and detachment from worldly luxuries.
The hadith reminds believers that lawful pleasures in the hereafter are far superior to prohibited luxuries in this temporal world, directing hearts toward eternal rather than temporary beautification.